YANIS (Young Associates from Newly Independent States) is a multicultural organization that seeks to unite Russian-speaking community at Yale University. It has been run since 2001 by Yale graduate and professional students, as well as postdocs. The purpose of YANIS is to promote and develop the community of Yale students, faculty and staff from the Newly Independent States (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan) by the means of language and cultural accommodations.

Our members represent a diverse group of individuals from former Republics of the Soviet Union, as well as students with other cultural roots who are interested in learning about the history, languages, and cultures of the Newly Independent States.

The club is a strong and viable organization that seeks to both educate its members on Russian and Soviet history, literature and the arts and to also provide members with the forum for discussion and socializing. Through movie nights, cultural gatherings, outings and many other social events, our desire is ultimately to have fun and enjoy good company.