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  • 1.  University "Affinity Groups"

    Posted 10-30-2013 14:11
    Greetings, as a member of SIUE's Diversity Council, I've been charged with doing research on the existence of Affinity Groups in University/College settings.  Corporations have been doing this for years, and our University is interested in establishing them on our campus. If you don't mind responding to my questions below, I would greatly appreciate it. No need to respond to the whole listserv...just to me privately would be fine: rberkle@siue.edu

    a) Does your College/University have Affinity Groups?

    b) How were they established administratively? Was it a top down or a bottom up approach? What structure do they have?

    c) What is the purpose of those groups; social, political/voice, or both?

    d) If there is a public web link to the group, please provide us with the link as a reference/resource for our efforts


    Thank you in advance for your support!
    --

    Robyn A. Berkley, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor
    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
    Founders Hall, Box 1100
    Edwardsville, IL  62026
    (618) 650-2735


  • 2.  University "Affinity Groups"

    Posted 10-30-2013 15:14
    It has been brought to my attention that some people are unfamiliar with the term Affinity Group...here is a link to Boeing's Affinity Groups for better illustration.

    http://www.boeing.com/boeing/aboutus/diversity/groups.page

    Affinity groups are employee-led associations designed to further personal and professional development, promote diversity within the company and strengthen networking. The members share a common interest, such as race, gender or cultural identity. The seven affinity groups collectively have more than 80 local chapters:

    • Boeing American Indian Society
    • Boeing Asian-American Professional Association
    • Boeing Black Employees Association
    • Boeing Employees Ability Awareness Association
    • Boeing Employees Veterans Association
    • Boeing Association of Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender Employees & Friends
    • Boeing Hispanic Employees Network
    • Boeing Women in Leadership

    Affinity groups are supported by a local Diversity representative. Membership is open to all employees.

    Thank you!




    On Wed, Oct 30, 2013 at 1:10 PM, Robyn Berkley <rberkle@siue.edu> wrote:
    Greetings, as a member of SIUE's Diversity Council, I've been charged with doing research on the existence of Affinity Groups in University/College settings.  Corporations have been doing this for years, and our University is interested in establishing them on our campus. If you don't mind responding to my questions below, I would greatly appreciate it. No need to respond to the whole listserv...just to me privately would be fine: rberkle@siue.edu

    a) Does your College/University have Affinity Groups?

    b) How were they established administratively? Was it a top down or a bottom up approach? What structure do they have?

    c) What is the purpose of those groups; social, political/voice, or both?

    d) If there is a public web link to the group, please provide us with the link as a reference/resource for our efforts


    Thank you in advance for your support!
    --

    Robyn A. Berkley, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor
    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
    Founders Hall, Box 1100
    Edwardsville, IL  62026
    (618) 650-2735



    --

    Robyn A. Berkley, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor
    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
    Founders Hall, Box 1100
    Edwardsville, IL  62026
    (618) 650-2735