Employee Affinity Group

Employee Affinity Groups (EAG) are voluntary associations of Lower Columbia College employees who gather together around a common interest and are formed pursuant to the college’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategic Plan. EAGs play a vital role in developing and improving employee morale and the campus climate. EAGs support the shared mission, vision and values of the College and break down barriers of rank and work group around shared interests by encouraging collaboration and understanding.

Affinity Groups at LCC

EAG Information

LCC is supportive of a system of Employee Affinity Groups that contribute to the following:

• Foster employee development.
• Contribute to the College’s commitment to advancing social equity, while challenging systems of power, privilege and inequities.
• Strengthen networking and cohesiveness across the College, and promote career and professional development.
• Provide important feedback to management and assist with efforts to attract and retain highly qualified candidates for employment at LCC.

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EAGs are formed and led by employees and composed of only non-student employees and non-student volunteers. Guest speakers may be invited to EAG meetings.

Members of an EAG are responsible for:

• Forming, organizing, managing, and leading the group
• Setting meetings and activities including frequency, location, purpose and content
• Developing, recruiting, and maintaining a contact list for current members. The College cannot provide lists and/or names of employees from a particular race or ethnicity.
• Completing and submitting a brief end-of-year report (which may include number of meetings, activities, how funding was spent, accomplishments and goals, etc.)

Employees interested in forming an EAG should complete an EAG application. The application is then submitted to the Diversity and Equity Committee to provide advocacy, support, and guidance for EAGs. Employees must articulate how the group’s formation relates to professional development, retention, and the College’s DEI strategic plan. Once reviewed and recommended by the DEI committee, the application is submitted to the Executive Leadership Team for final approval.

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References/Resources:

• Section 269 - Employe Affinity Groups Policy
• 269.1A EAG Procedure
• EAG Application
  
• DEI Webpage