Affinity and Alliance Groups Build a Stronger Roeper School Community
Carolyn Lett
Affinity & Alliance Group work continues to be on the move at The Roeper School!
This year we are pleased to welcome back several of our student, parent, staff Affinity and Alliance groups and invite new groups to add their voices and participate in this growing facet of inclusivity.
An affinity group is one which brings people together who have an identifier in common, e.g., race, gender, religion, family status, etc. Affinity groups are for individuals who identify as members of the group and can speak to the experience of being a member of the group from the “I” perspective.
An alliance group is one which brings people together who have a common commitment to an identifier group, e.g., race, gender, religion, family status, etc. Alliance groups are for individuals who identify as members of the group and/or as people who support and stand in solidarity with that group. Alliance groups have included Gay, Straight Alliance (GSA), LGBTQ+ and their allies, Gender Blender, etc.,
Both groups afford opportunities for
Affirming, nurturing and celebrating lived experience.
Discussing issues related to identity development in a safe environment where people who share that racial, ethnic, gender, religion, etc. identity can generate community, fellowship and empowerment.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND the group, described below, that fits for you.
Black Parent Affinity Group This group is being(re)established to create a safe space for Black/African American parents and guardians of Roeper students.
The Roeper 2e (“Twice Exceptional”) Affinity Group is for those who parent, teach, support, or otherwise care for exceptionally gifted, neurodivergent students .
This group invites Roeper parents who identify as white to come when they can and as they are. There is no ongoing commitment and there is recognition and understanding that we all come to anti-racist work at different points in our own personal journey.
Roeper Asian Families Affinity Group This affinity group is open to all Roeper parents, guardians, and adult allies of students who are considered or identify as Asian, Bi-Racial, or Mixed-Race (including Asian ancestry).