Affinity Groups: What, Why and How? Cary Academy Office of Diversity.

What is an affinity group?

The term affinity group is used as a bringing

together of people who have something important in common, e.g. race, gender, profession, or special interests. Any significant historical movement or everyday social interaction could probably be traced to the actions of people who share a common experience and passion.

- NAIS

Types of Affinity Groups

•Ability•Age•Ethnicity• Gender• Race• Religion• Sexual Orientation•Socio-economic Status (Class)

•Appearance•Educational Background•Family of Origin, Family Make Up•Geographic/Regional Background•Language•Learning Style• Beliefs (political, social, religious)

= have

existed at CA

Why do affinity groups exist?

• Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC)• Students of Color Affinity Groups

– Multicultural– Gender-based– Homogenous (same-race or ethnicity) – Trans-racial adoption

• “Minority” Religion Affinity Groups (ex. Jewish, Muslim, etc.)

• Students with Learning Differences• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT)

Student Affinity Groups In Independent Schools

How does this relate to CA?