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.
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.
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.
Affinity Groups at LCC
Latine Affinity Group:
The Latine Affinity group welcomes employees to an informal space to create a culture
of belonging by bringing staff and faculty together and share about their Latine,
Hispanic and/or Mexican culture. Join us on 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1-2 in the Diversity & Equity room in the student center
(STC 201)
For more information or to get on the calendar invites you can reach out to Ariana
Muro amuro@lowercolumbia.edu
References/Resources:
Section 269 - Employe Affinity Groups Policy
269.1A EAG Procedure
EAG Application
DEI Webpage