An affinity group is a group of people sharing a common interest or characteristic who gather with the intention of finding connection, support, and inspiration. Participation in these affinity groups is voluntary and usually held outside of regular school hours. 

ASD Groups: 

ASD BIPOC Affinity Group 

Last February, the ASD BIPOC Affinity Group was started to provide a time for all staff who identify as part of the BIPOC community (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) an opportunity to come together and connect. On Tuesday, October 5th, from 4:30-5:30 pm via Zoom, we will have our first meeting of this year to check-in with each other and to discuss this year’s meeting format and frequency. We will send the zoom link to everyone who joined us last year, and we would love more BIPOC colleagues to join us! For more information on how to join this group, please contact equity@ashland.k12.or.us. 

Regional Groups: 

Southern Oregon White Antiracist Educators (SOWARE)

Southern Oregon White Antiracist Educators is a space for White educators to think critically about White culture and privilege.  This space is designed to help White folks understand their own racial identities while strengthening their antiracism practices. This group meets monthly and is open to any educator willing to examine, learn, and unlearn together. To learn more about why a White affinity group might be a useful supplement to your antiracism work, follow this link for more information: https://5il.co/1hy15

Southern Oregon Queer Educators Affinity Group

The Southern Oregon Queer Educators Affinity Group exists to provide a safe space for those who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+ and work in any education position (teacher, administrator, support staff, other) in the SOESD region. The SOESD region includes all school districts in Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath Counties.  We also welcome LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals who serve through education partner organizations such as higher education, community service organizations, after-school education organizations, and other similar youth-serving agencies.  Monthly meetings provide opportunities for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals to build connections and community, consider advocacy for educators and students, and create safety, significance and belonging for every person. For more information, please send an email to equity@soesd.k12.or.us.  

Educators of Color Affinity Group 

The Educators of Color Affinity Group offers a needed space for educators that identify as BIPOC to create community and support each other while navigating the challenges of being a BIPOC educator in Southern Oregon. This group gathers 2-3 times a year depending on participants’ needs and is open to BIPOC educators from all over the valley, not just k-12 institutions. For more information, please send an email to equity@soesd.k12.or.us. 

Administrators of Color Network

Each month, the COSA Equity Board hosts a virtual convening for Administrators of Color. These convenings are an opportunity for Administrators of Color to connect, share, and collaborate with one another from around the state. Occasionally, we will also have guest speakers join the meeting to share important and timely information.

If you'd like to join the Administrators of Color convenings and be a part of our email list, please send an email to joanne@cosa.k12.or.us.  You can also email Joanne with any updates to your contact information. 

LGBTQ2SIA+ Administrators Affinity Network

Each month, the COSA Equity Board hosts a virtual convening for Administrators who identify as part of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. These convenings are an opportunity to build connections and community, share and exchange resources, and create safety, significance and belonging for every person. Occasionally, we will also have guest speakers join the meeting to share important and timely information.
 
If you'd like to join the LGBTQ2SIA+ Administrators Affinity Network, please send an email to krista@cosa.k12.or.us.  You can also email Krista with any updates to your contact information.

LGBTQ2SIA+ means a term that encompasses multiple gender identities and sexual orientations including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, and Asexual. The plus sign (“+”) recognizes that there are myriad ways to describe gender identities and sexual orientations. This definition recognizes every individual who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community has a unique lived experience, and the LGBTQ2SIA+ community is not a homogeneous group with a single identity.