Affinity Groups

Submit Your Affinity Group Ideas!

REad the FAQ

What are Affinity Groups?

Affinity groups are a space for staff who share common experiences, identities, or other REI-focused interests. Through these groups, staff can support each other in developing safe spaces, maintaining equitable and inclusive practices, and addressing REI concerns. The specific focus of our agency, Affinity Groups, will be shaped by what YOU and other staff want to see. But each group will:

• Be open to all current staff regardless of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or other protected category.
• Be voluntary
• Promote equity, openness, understanding, and inclusiveness
• Adhere to the agency's policies and procedures
• Strive to provide a professional and personal benefit to the agency, staff, and clients
• Align with the agency's REI objectives

Resources & Toolkit

Current Affinity Groups & Chair(s)

Read below for each groups' purpose and goals statement. Reach out to group chairs with any questions about meeting times or your interest in joining. 

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

Conferences for Affinity Group Leaders in 2023

• ERG Leadership Alliance Symposia | July 11, Virtual 
• National ERG Conference | September 5-7, Virtual
• Global ERG Summit | September 19-23, Hybrid
• ERG Leadership Conference | September 20, 27 & 28, Hybrid

Why join?

Affinity Groups offer you a chance to:

• Hone your leadership skills by spearheading initiatives for Affinity Groups.
• Host professional development programs
• Be a great partner in welcoming new staff and developing a sense of belonging at the agency.
• Create cultural and identity-based events to celebrate intersectional identities as a community.
• Serve as an REI change agent by working closely with the REI Staff Committee to identify critical barriers, gaps, or other issues impeding REI efforts and initiatives.

Our goals for Affinity Groups

1. Cultivate a safe space to be in community, share resources, and engage in open and honest communication aligned with the agency's racial equity and inclusion vision, values, and goals.
2. Establish a forum to network socially and professionally across departments, staff levels, and beyond.
3. Develop collaboration opportunities for staff with common interests or concerns to support one another.
4. Provide informal professional development, networking, and mentorship opportunities.
5. Promote inclusive staff retention and leadership development processes at various organizational levels.
6. Broaden cultural, racial, and ethnic awareness through informal events and activities.

Submit your Affinity Group ideas below.