Become a Komen Advocate in Science!

The Komen Advocates in Science Program (AIS) is an inclusive community of dedicated volunteer advocates in scientific breast cancer research. They are brought together and sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure to: (1) foster excellence in research advocacy, and (2) spur greater advocate engagement in research-related activities. Research advocates participate in a variety of scientific activities to ensure that the unique and valuable perspectives of cancer survivors and others affected by cancer are integrated into scientific dialogue and decisions affecting our progress toward ending breast cancer. They bring a real-world understanding of what most impacts those affected by breast cancer, and an urgency to find cures and more effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment. AIS members engage in ongoing education to enhance their advocacy skills and expand their scientific knowledge.

To be eligible to serve as a Komen AIS member, individuals must be an advocate actively involved in addressing breast cancer issues within their local Komen Affiliate and community as a whole. A breast cancer advocate is someone who works, through volunteerism or professionally, to reduce the burden of breast cancer in his or her community. Advocates may be men or women, laypersons or healthcare professionals, a Komen Affiliate member, or someone involved in advocacy with another breast cancer organization. While many advocates are breast cancer survivors, or have a family member or close friend affected by the disease, one is not required to be a survivor to be eligible to participate in AIS. The most important requirement is that applicants must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those with breast cancer or those at risk for breast cancer. Komen Affiliate staff may apply to become an AIS member and will be able to participate in many scientific activities, but because of the potential conflict of interest in selecting research grants, may not participate as an advocate reviewer in Komen research peer review.

If you would like to be part of this community, simply complete the application at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AISApplication. Once you have completed the application, please have a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) sent to advocatesinscience@komen.org. Your application and LOR will then be reviewed. You will be notified within 2-3 weeks of submission. If you have questions or concerns, please email advocatesinscience@komen.org.  

Resources

AIS Focus: Prevention