Why lgbtq affinity groups are important in school communities
Affinity Group Conversation Communities
Affinity Group Conversation Communities at Algonquin College are identity-based networking groups for equity-deserving employees and their allies. Here the experiences of Algonquin College employees belonging to equity-deserving groups are centred, noted, and supported through knowledge sharing, dialogue and the appreciation of our differences.
Employee affinity groups comprised of Racialized Identities, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, Women and employees interested in Allyship are supported for regular gatherings to foster community building, shared lived life networking, and the development of a greater sense of belonging among participants. The Affinity Organization program runs parallel to a program for Indigenous Employees. Please contact Anita Tenasco or Sarah Gauen to be added to the invite list for the Indigenous Employee Circle; gauens@algonquincollege.com.
If you are interested in learning more about participating, please reach out to one of the co-leads for affinity groups or email diversity@algonquincollege.com. If you are ready to join the conversation, sign up as a participant using this li
Affinity Groups
AASHE’s Affinity Groups are intended to foster inclusivity, belonging, support, and progress within our community. These groups are carefully fashioned to provide a secure and empowering environment for individuals from underrepresented communities to share common experiences, challenges, and aspirations tied to their identity. Our focus is to make a space that cultivates a transformative atmosphere where meaningful dialogue and collective empowerment can flourish.
Given the ways systemic racism and other forms of oppression have impacted both higher ed and sustainability spaces, AASHE is creating these affinity groups to provide:
- A supportive and affirming room for individuals to confidentially have open dialogue and share experiences, challenges, and successes related to identity
- A sense of community and camaraderie among members facing similar systemic barriers and biases.
- Resources, knowledge, and finest practices related to racial equity and social justice issues.
Who Can Join?
Membership in an affinity group is open exclusively to individuals who identify with the specific group in ask and are affiliated with an AASHE member nonprofit. Thi
Affinity Groups at Bank Street
Explore how all children and adults can learn through affinities shared by students, parents, and faculty
At Bank Street School for Children, we believe in the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and treasured. Our affinity groups provide students, families, and faculty with safe spaces to connect, reflect, and study from each other. These groups are essential in promoting our values across our diverse community, and they help foster personal growth, empathy, leadership, and a better understanding of other people in our school and out in the larger world.
Affinity groups are used to back members of our group to explore the lived experiences of people who have affinities in how they identify. These opportunities are provided for everyone and no one is denied the chance to join any learning encounter they are interested in exploring. We encourage all members of our group to participate in these groups to deepen connections and promote a community-wide sense of belonging.
LGBTQIA+ Educators Affinity Group
Please get a moment to study this affinity group’s description as you consider registering.
This group is for language teachers who identify as LGBTQIA+ to have a brave space for thoughtful discussions related to sapphic, gay, bisexual, transgender, lgbtq+, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA+) issues.
As a collaborative community, we will construct and structure this space together to foster, support, and sustain collective agency and thoughtful collaboration.
We are going to work with our participants to develop out the description in order to give them agency and a stake in the group/community.
While we appreciate the unwavering support and love of our allies, at this time the LGBTQIA+ Affinity group is for those who identify within the community.
We are going to work with our participants to build out the description in order to give them agency and a stake in the group/community. While we be grateful the constant support and love of our allies, at this time the LGBTQIA+ Affinity group is for those who spot within the community.
All meetings will take place via Zoom. The link will be sent to your email after registration is completed. P Black Student Union (BSU) BSU offers a sheltered space for all Thacher's Black students, where they may discuss racial issues, globally and within Thacher. It also offers a casual place for members to get to know each other and hang out. First record of a BSU at Thacher was in the 1970’s, re-established and sustained in 2013. FASA is for female-aligned, femme-aligned, women-aligned students as it relates to the gender spectrum, in addition to non-binary and gender expansive students with similar alignment. They provide a territory for important dialogue, mutual respect and support. Established in 2024. First In This collective provides a cosmos and community for students who will be the first in their families to attend college* and who may also be the first to be present boarding school. First In works to provide students with time and cosmos to reflect and talk about their experiences at Thacher. Additionally, their purpose is that younger students will advantage from the wisdom of older students who have been on a similar path and establish success. *Neither parent has attended a four-year institution in the U.S. and internati
Female Aligned Pupil Association (FASA)