Affinity Groups

Contact Faculty Affairs with questions about the Affinity Groups

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 two-fold: (1) to provide a forum for discussing work and life experiences that affect AAPI faculty and staff, and (2) to celebrate diversity at Mason. We strive to build a supportive community that will improve the quality of life and work experiences at George Mason. We are dedicated to embracing diversity and raising cultural awareness within the University.

Fall 2024 Meetings

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group.

September 9 at 12 pm (virtual) Strategies to Burn Bright, Not Out.

October 9 at 12 pm (virtual) How to be your best advocate

November 6 at 12 pm (virtual) Compassionate Communication

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).

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 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 among its members. The group also seeks to share best practices to support the advancement and retention of faculty from historically marginalized groups and provide safe spaces for rest and rejuvenation. At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group.

Fall 2024 Meetings

At each meeting, we spend time building community and discussing issues important to the members of the group.

September 20 at 12 noon (virtual) – Strategies for Thriving in a Higher Education Institution

October 16 at 12 noon (virtual) – Rise and Thrive: Crafting your Career Path with Confidence

November 12 at 12 noon (virtual) - Let’s not forget our Own Wellbeing

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.

Fall 2024 Meetings

September 19 at 12:00 pm (virtual)

October 10 at 12:00 pm (virtual)

November 14 at 12:00 pm (virtual)

December 5 at 12:00 pm (virtual)

Informal “Coffee Chats” for DNA members or folks interested in learning more about the group

Thursday, September 26, 9:00 am – 9:45 am, In-Person, Northern Neck Starbucks
Friday, October 4, 9:00 am - 9:45 am, In-Person, Northern Neck Starbucks

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

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.

Fall 2024 Meetings

First-Gen Midterm Meetup (in person), September 25^th - 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, George's (Johnson Center)

First-Gen Kickoff (in person), November 4^th – 11 am – 2 pm, SUB I Quad

First Gen Affinity Group members are also cordially invited to

Attend the UndocuMason’s Annual Immigration Monologues, which will take place on Friday, October 25^th from 4-7 pm at the JC Bistro in the Fairfax Campus. Registration details will be available on this website later in the semester
Register for the UndocuAlly Trainings: September 27 | 10 am to 1 pm; October 16 | 12 to 2 pm; and November 15 | 10 am to 1 pm. All the workshops will be held in Merten 1201. Register at https://firstgen.gmu.edu/resources-information/trainings/

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.

Fall 2024 Meetings

September 12 at 12 noon (virtual)—Fall 2024 kick-off meeting

October 8 from 12 to 1:30 (in person) – Voces Estudiantiles (Students’ Voices) celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (Johnson Center, Bistro, Fairfax Campus)

December 10 from 12 to 1:30 (in person) – Navidades Juntos (Christmas Juntos) (Johnson Center, George Room, Fairfax Campus)

JUNTOS Affinity Group members are cordially invited to

Attend the UndocuMason’s Annual Immigration Monologues, which will take place on Friday, October 25^th from 4-7 pm at the JC Bistro in the Fairfax Campus. Registration details will be available on this website later in the semester
Register for the UndocuAlly Trainings: September 27 | 10 am to 1 pm; October 16 | 12 to 2 pm; and November 15 | 10 am to 1 pm. All the workshops will be held in Merten 1201. Register at https://firstgen.gmu.edu/resources-information/trainings/

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!

Fall 2024 Meetings

September 7 (Saturday) from 12 to 3 pm (Wilkins Plaza, Fairfax Campus) – Gradstravaganza [Feel free to stop by anytime]

October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 3 pm (virtual) – Writing Circles

October 10 from 1 to 3pm (JC Bistro, Fairfax Campus) – Healing Space [Feel free to stop by anytime]

November 13 at 3 pm (virtual) – Thriving in Academia: Strategies for Navigating Oppressive Environments

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.

Fall 2024 Meetings

Tuesday, November 19^th 11:00-noon SUB 1, 3311

Tuesday, December 3^rd 2:00-3:00 SUB 1, 3311

If you wish to be added to the Listserv, contact Ms. Amy Ayres or Dr. Millie Rivera.

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.