Affinity Groups Opening Meetings Build Community Through Fellowship

In an effort to intentionally foster a diverse and inclusive learning environment, St. Patrick's recognizes that identity-based affinity groups create opportunities for students and families that share an identity to build fellowship, share experiences, and work with the school to support equity and inclusion. An affinity group is a designated "brave space" where everyone in that group shares a particular identity. The identity can be based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, family structure, and other aspects of identity. Affinity groups can be a place for people in a community to come together to learn more about their identifiers and to feel more connected based on those identifiers. 

Additionally, St. Patrick’s recognizes the usefulness of ally groups, formed to work on a common goal of understanding, support, and affirmation of marginalized groups. 

Many of our community groups started the year with welcome events. The Asian and Pacific Islander group gathered for a playground dinner, the Parents of Black Students held an indoor potluck, San Patricio hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, and the Jewish Family Group celebrated a pre-Rosh Hashanah Shabbat. 

Many more events are planned for the year and new affinity and ally groups are forming. Click here for more information about our current ally/affinity groups. 

If you have questions please reach out to Erica Thompson, Assistant Head of School for Equity and Inclusion, for more information.