Affinity Groups

Are you interested in bringing an Affinity Group to the agency?

Submit Your Affinity Group Ideas here!

What are Affinity Groups?

Affinity groups are a space for staff with shared experiences, identities, or interests to connect. They can be anything from book clubs or hobby groups to caucuses around a specific gender, race, sexual orientation, or other identity.

Affinity Groups offer a chance to:

• Cultivate a safe space to be in community, share resources, and engage in open and honest communication aligned with the agency's REI vision, values, and goals.
• Organize events and programs that celebrate diverse identities and promote community development.
• Serve as an advocate and collaborate with the REI Staff Committee to identify critical barriers, gaps, or other issues.
• Establish a platform to connect across departments, staff levels, and beyond.
• Develop leadership and facilitation skills.

The specific focus of these Affinity Groups, will be shaped by what staff want to see, but each group will:

• Be open to all current staff
• Be voluntary
• Align with the agency's REI objectives
• Promote equity, openness, understanding, and inclusiveness
• Adhere to the agency's policies and procedures
  

  READ THE FAQ

Affinity Groups & Chairs

Read through group materials to learn more.

Reach out to group chairs with any group questions or interest in joining. 

Current Groups

• Black Men in Healthcare (Malcolm Williams & John Lane)
  • Purpose & Goals

Upcoming Groups

• Spanish Speakers and Learners (Kat Acosta & Nakia Bailey)
  • Purpose & Goals
• Living with Disability & Chronic Illness (Rebecca Ritter; co-chair position open)
  • Purpose & Goals
  • Leave feedback for the group here!

Previous Groups

• White Women in Social Justice (Jill Rice, Yael Ben-Chaim, and Meredith Johnston)
  • Purpose & Goals
• TAG: TTRPG Affinity Group (Syandene Underwood)
  • Purpose & Goals

Affinity Group Resources

Are you thinking about starting an Affinity Group but not sure how? Have an idea but unsure about your purpose and goals? Already have a group but need help with how to lead the space?

These resources can guide you through the process!

Explore The Toolkit hERE

Upcoming Events for Affinity Group Leaders

• ERG Leadership Conference | September 23-24, 2024 (optional activity, September 25, 2024), Hybrid

Submit your Affinity Group ideas below.