I need help in fighting/addressing this issue at my work. I am a teacher in a very progressive county. We have a department of equity and inclusion. they sent out the attached memo. I am not very good with writing. Any insights or help on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

I redacted the school system name:

Department of Equity, Diversity and Opportunity

MEMORANDUM

TO: School Principals

FROM: SUBJECT: 2021-2022 STAFF AFFINITY GROUP
DATE: September 21, 2021

The purpose of this memo is to provide information about staff affinity groups for the 2021- 2022 school year. Along with Human Resources, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Opportunity (EDO) is tasked with improving the racial disproportionalityof student-to-teacher representation. This is an issue not just in- but throughout the nation.Studies have suggested that schools need to focus on the identification of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and implement programming to support their retention. One way studies have shown to assist with attracting more diverse candidates, reducing turnover, and increasing employee morale is the induction of staff affinity groups. Affinity groups can be used for networking, mentorships, and other opportunities for professional and personal development. Historically, affinity groups were centered on race or gender, but these groups are increasingly being created for those sharing other characteristics, such as age, activities of interest, veteran status, or other aspects of identity.

HCPS affinity groups are inclusive, allowing space for all staff to learn and grow, but the content of the meetings, as noted below, responds to the concerns of staff who share common characteristics. The overarching goal is to create a safe, trusted space for participants to show up as their full selves. Throughout the year, there will be intentionally designed opportunities for participants to collectively engage and learn from one another. The Office of EDO supports the following voluntary staff affinity groups:

• Allyship/Co-Conspirator Affinity Group
o recognize the positionality and roles of individuals for social change, personally and within the educational ecosystem;
o engage in discourse that drives actions that challenge inequities in education; and
o craft a safe space for community-building.

PAGE2
2021-2022 STAFF AFFINITY GROUP

• Black Educator Collective (BEC)
o acknowledge a responsibility to highlight the positive contributions of Black educators in and outside of-for thestudents, staff, and families in our educational community;
o promote the advancement of Black educators' professional expertise throughout
-and thgereater educational community; and
o craft a safe space for community-building.

• People of Color Alliance
o (Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI)/Latine/Indigenous)
o recognize the positionality and roles of diverse staff to affirm and empower them within their spheres of influence; and
o craft a safe space for community-building.

• LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
o gain affirmation and empowerment from peers; and
o craft a safe space for community-building.

This school year poses new challenges, yet there is certainly the need for support. Due to limited availability in each group, interested staff members are advised to complete the­
Staff Affinity Group Interest Form 2021-2022 no later than October 8th. Please share with staff
that if there is insufficient space to serve everyone this year, there will be future opportunities.