A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Initiative
We all benefit from interactions with people who share common identities or experiences. An affinity group is a designated "safe space" where people with a shared identity or experience - based on race, gender, sexual orientation, language, nationality, physical/mental ability, socio-economic class, family structure, religion, etc. - voluntarily come together. Affinity groups can increase connectedness, reduce isolation, and help create a diverse and socially just world.
Contact: Mai Le
Goals:
Meetings: 3rd Wednesdays of the Month (12pm-1pm) - Join via Zoom | 96632510133
Contact: Leighia Fleming | Araba Mensah
Goals:
Meetings: 1st Fridays of the Month (12pm-1pm) - Join via Zoom | 97271640264
Contact: Marilyn Brock | Javier Alcala
Goals:
Meetings: 4th Thursdays of the Month (11am-12pm) - Join via Zoom | 88115852305 (passcode: 333358)
Contact: Araba Mensah | Laurie Runk
Goals:
Meetings: 2nd Fridays of the Month (1pm-2pm) - Join via Zoom | 82295669098
Any successful organization is centered on a clear goal that unites its members. Maybe your goal is to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ employees to talk freely about their experiences. Perhaps you want to start a group for employees with children who can share experiences with hectic school schedules. A clear and defined goal will help you build your group's structure, decide who should join, and determine your function within the workplace. Example: To create a space for Latinx employees to share experience/resources and encourage Latinx students' success.
Who might be interested in joining your group? Are there people you already know that are on board with helping and taking part? You will want to identify at least one other staff/faculty. Potential members from Orange Coast College and Golden West College will be accepted.
Once you have identified members, set goals, meeting schedules, and roles, submit them to the DEI committee through our registration form. The DEI committee will provide this information on the Coastline DEI webpage for other staff/faculty to join these affinity groups.
While these are the recommended steps for creating an affinity group, we encourage that these groups be as organic and dynamic as needed by the members. Like any activity, participation should not affect performing job functions or responsibilities. For examples of affinity groups, here are a few from UC Irvine.
Ultimately, the DEI committee will encourage the creation, outreach, and development of these groups.
DEI will:
If you have any questions, please email Carlos Amescua or Erin Johnson.