Get Involved

BECOME A MEMBER

CYC believes foster youth are experts who have valuable, insightful information and ideas on the foster care system and how it can be improved.  We know foster youth are committed to improving the foster care system and are ready to assume leadership and advocacy roles.  CYC is committed to providing training and support for current and former foster youth to take on these roles, so whether you’ve had leadership experience or not if you are passionate about making the foster care system better for the youth who come after you—join us!

Any current or former system-impacted youth between the ages of 14-24 is welcome to become a CYC member.  CYC defines a system-impacted youth as someone living in out of home care such as in a foster home, group home, THPP, or in relative/kinship care, as well as any placement through probation.  A formerly system-impacted youth is anyone who spent any time in the system including those who emancipated from foster care, reunified with their family or were adopted.

The best way to get involved is to attend a CYC Chapter Meeting. Get information about a chapter in your area.

Interested in becoming an official CYC member? Fill out a membership interest form. A Community Advocacy Coordinator will review your inquiry and be in touch with you to conduct an onboarding phone call and plug you into your local chapter.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER SUPPORTER

Supporters are committed individuals who live or work in a county with a CYC chapter and are passionate about youth development and foster care reform.  Supporters are essential to the success of CYC chapters.  The goal of Supporters is to help youth members learn the skills needed to lead and run their own chapter meetings and events, and advocate for change.

In CYC, supporters play a truly unique role. Supporters are people who:

  • can relate to youth
  • are willing to let youth learn from their own mistakes
  • are able to guide, coach and advise youth while refraining from taking control
  • are concerned about the foster care system and willing to help youth make a change

All supporters are required to complete an application and background check, pass an interview with members from the chapter and attend a day long Supporter Certification Training.  The first step is to connect with a local chapter and find out if CYC is a good fit for you.  Get information about a chapter in your area.

VOLUNTEER with CYC

If you don’t have the time commitment to take on a volunteer supporter role, remember we are always in need of additional support for our youth members. Other ways you can volunteer with CYC: 

  • Chapter volunteers – individuals/groups that may support a chapter by providing a meeting space or food for meetings.
  • Event volunteers – individuals who can come out to support a local event, virtual meetings, or statewide conferences.
  • Fundraising committee – individuals who can support youth in our yearly fundraising opportunities.

CYC welcomes individuals who support our mission and values. Please contact us for additional information about volunteering.