Affinity Spaces & Equity Sparks

Elementary school teacher Gillian Murr explains racial affinity groups in this third episode as we continue to discuss educator wellness. Murr talks about her experiences both leading and participating in affinity groups, including OEA’s grant-funded Equity Sparks program. Affinity groups can be a healing space to process the unique experiences of educators who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Jesse and Gillian also discuss the need for non-BIPOC allies to gather in affinity and the power of those allies in supporting BIPOC educators.

 

Learn more about affinity groups and wellness strategies for BIPOC educators:

 

Diversifying the Teaching Profession: How to Recruit and Retain Teachers of Color - Learning Policy Institute

Recruiting and Retaining Teachers of Color: Why It Matters, Ways to Do It - EdWeek

Racial Affinity Groups: Guide for School Leaders - Great Schools Partnership

Dialogue for Affinity Groups (discussion guide) - Everyday Democracy

Racial Identity Caucusing: A Strategy for Building Anti-Racist Collectives - Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training

How White Teachers Can Support BIPOC Colleagues - edutopia