Affinity Groups

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Contact Faculty Affairs with questions about the Affinity Groups

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As part of George Mason University's commitment to inclusive excellence, the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development supports several affinity groups.

Affinity groups—people with a shared interest or common goal—are open to all faculty (tenured, tenure-track, term, adjunct, administrative, and professional), doctoral students, and staff. Affinity groups:

  • Provide our diverse faculty, doctoral students, and staff with a sense of community, inclusion, and belonging
  • Serve as spaces for discussion of issues that impact the success and well-being of Black, Indigenous, Latine, Multiracial, Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islanders , as well as faculty and staff with disabilities and historically underserved doctoral students
  • Facilitate connections and professional partnerships and champion strategic efforts to support the success of their members

The Office of Human Resources coordinates several employee resources groups (ERGs) which are open to all classified staff, administrative/professional and instructional/research faculty, adjunct faculty, and non-student wage employees. We are including some on this page; for a complete list, go to their website.

For more information about any of the affinity groups, contact Dr. Milagros (Millie) Rivera, director of faculty engagement and well-being.

 

Groups

AAPI (Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander) Affinity Group

The mission of the AAPI affinity group is to provide a forum for discussing work and life experiences affecting AAPI faculty and staff, celebrating our cultures, and building a supportive community that embraces all of our diverse members.

Spring 2025 Meetings

Wednesday, February 12 at 12 pm (virtual)  

Tuesday, March 4 at 12 pm (virtual)

Tuesday, April 8 at 12 pm (virtual)  

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.

Aging Parents ERG

Join other George Mason employees in navigating the challenges related to having aging parents. This group is for employees with aging parents who are looking to connect with others, share advice, and be part of a supportive community.

The group will meet monthly over Zoom on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. If you are interested in joining or have questions, please contact Laura Winkler.

Black Male Faculty and Staff ERG

The mission of the Black Male Faculty and Staff group is to promote a sense of community among its members, improve their quality of life, and offer an atmosphere of cultural and social networking. This group seeks to share resources/information, and build relationships in a space that is safe, vulnerable, and accessible. 

Join our meetings on a monthly basis for meaningful conversation and support, as well as occasional in-person activities. For the meeting schedule. To be included on the listserv and the Microsoft Teams Group, or if you have any questions, please contact Philip Wilkerson.

Black Women of Mason ERG

The Black Women of Mason Resource Group's mission is to provide a safe and affirming space where all Black women administrators, faculty, and staff can be their authentic selves. This group is a supportive community, committed to uplifting each other through knowledge sharing, culturally relevant well-being and social networking opportunities, and advancing professional development. For more information or to join, email Janae D. Johnson. 

BLIM (Black, Latine, Indigenous, Multiracial) Affinity Group

The mission of the BLIM Affinity group is to promote a sense of community among its members, improve their quality of life at GMU, and offer an atmosphere of cultural and social networking that promotes a sense of belonging and supports wellbeing.

Spring 2025 Meetings

Monday, January 13  at 12 noon (virtual)
Tuesday, January 28 at 12 noon (virtual)
Wednesday, February 19  at 12 noon (virtual)
Wednesday, March 26 at 12 noon (virtual) 

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.

DNA (Disability and Neurodivergence Alliance) Affinity Group

The Disability and Neurodivergence Alliance (DNA) is a social justice group that strives to create a safe and inclusive space for staff/faculty with disabilities, and their allies. Disability can include, but is not limited to, sensory, intellectual, mental health/psychiatric, neurodivergent, physical/mobile, and learning disabilities. Whether you are diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or questioning, this space is for you. Our mission is to foster a community where we can discuss and combat discriminatory practices and cultures, share resources, successes, and challenges, and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels celebrated. We are committed to moving from awareness to joy and pride, and we welcome all university staff and faculty to join us in this important journey. 

Spring 2025 Meetings

Tuesday, January 28, 12:00 pm, virtual 

Thursday, February 27, 12:00 pm, virtual (before students get out on Spring Break) 

Wednesday, March 26, 12:00 pm, virtual 

Thursday, April 24, 12:00 pm, virtual (before last day of class on Monday, May 5 & the 2-year Anniversary of DNA) 

Please talk with Olivia Bowman (othomps@gmu.edu) for details and questions about informal coffee chats

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.

First-Gen Affinity Group

The mission of the First-Gen affinity group is to build a supportive, cross-campus network of First-Gen professionals, and to provide spaces for information sharing and community-building. This group brings together George Mason faculty and staff, who actively seek to support one another’s professional development while supporting the success of George Mason’s robust first-generation student community through engagement with First-Gen-focused initiatives, including George Mason’s First Gen+ Center.  

Spring 2025 Meetings

Coming Soon!

You are invited to support First Gen and Undocumented Students by attending UndocuAlly Training. Below are the training sessions for the spring of 2025.

Spring 2025 UndocuAlly Trainings: 

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.

GEM (Global Employees of Mason) Affinity Group

The Global Employees of Mason (GEM) Affinity Group supports our global faculty and staff and celebrates their diverse cultures and their contributions to our university community. GEM will serve as a community that shares resources and provides support for faculty and staff who have joined George Mason University from around the world. We also welcome faculty and staff who work and collaborate with universities outside of the United States.

Spring 2025 Meetings

Monday, February 10 at 12 pm (virtual)  

Tuesday, March 25 at 12 pm (virtual)  

Monday, April 21 at 12 pm (virtual)  

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.

Juntos (Mason Hispanic/Latine Alliance) Affinity Group

The mission of Juntos (Mason Hispanic/Latine Alliance) is to cultivate a safe and inclusive campus community that affirms cultural awareness and belonging. Juntos seeks to center the Hispanic/Latine experience by advocating for the recruitment, retention and advancement of diverse faculty and staff, and by engaging, elevating, and holistically supporting our Hispanic/Latine community at George Mason.   

Spring 2025 Meetings

Tuesday, February 4 at 12 noon (virtual)

Tuesday, March 18 at 12 noon (in person), Cafecito Rodante (Roaming Café), Room D, Johnson Center (Fairfax Campus)

Friday, April 4, 2025 (in person), VALHEN (Virginia Latino Higher Education Network) Encuentro Conference, James Madison University.

Monday, April 14 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. (in person), Pan American Day, George’s Room, Johnson Center (Fairfax Campus)

You are invited to support First Gen and Undocumented Students by attending UndocuAlly Training. Below are the training sessions for the spring of 2025.

Spring 2025 UndocuAlly Trainings: 

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv for the virtual meetings, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.

LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance ERG

The mission of the LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance is to support the university’s mission and vision through the promotion of an inclusive and affirming campus climate for all faculty, staff, and students. Membership in the LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance shall be open to all faculty and staff currently employed at George Mason University on a part-time or full-time basis, including graduate assistants.

Please visit the LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance webpage to learn more and become a member.

SPARK (Scholars Promoting Access, Representation, and Knowledge) Affinity Group

SPARK (Scholars Promoting Access, Representation, and Knowledge) provides a welcoming and safe space for students who don’t always feel reflected or supported on campus or have faced or experienced social, economic, and historical challenges. The mission of the group is to bring doctoral and MFA students together and promote a sense of community through resource and information sharing and access to mentorship and networks that positively impact educational and career outcomes. The group also serves to increase access to critical services based on unique identities or specific needs. Finally, the SPARK Affinity Group names and addresses systemic issues that hinder the likelihood of educational success of Black/African American, Latine/Hispanic, Indigenous, Biracial, Multiracial, Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, African students as well as working students with families, military and veteran students, students with disabilities, and first-generation students. This list is not exhaustive. If you face or have experienced marginalization, this group welcomes you! 

Spring 2025 Meetings

Coming Soon!

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres. 

SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) Affinity Group

This group is designed to bring together faculty and staff who identify as SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African), also referred to as “Middle Eastern,” including those situated within hyphenated identities, for an opportunity to socialize and be in community together. To receive more information or join the group please contact Holly Mason Badra or Austin Deray.

Spring 2025 Meetings

Tuesday, January 28th noon-1:30, SUB1 4210

Wednesday, February 26th 2:00-3:30, SUB1 4210

Thursday, March 27th 1:00-2:30, SUB1 4210

Monday, April 28th 3:00-4:30, SUB1 4210

Tuesday, May 20th 12:00-1:30, SUB1 4210

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group. If you did not receive an email with the Zoom link via our Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera and we will send you the links for the meetings and add you to the listserv (if you so desire). Also, note that you may remove yourself from the listserv anytime or by sending a request to Amy Ayres.

Working Mothers ERG

The Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason is one way George Mason faculty, staff, and students can come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps motivate changes on campus. If you are interested in sharing stories and being part of an informal organization of working mothers, please visit the Working Moms Support Group website for more information. For additional information or questions, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.