Affinity Groups

“There are no simple ‘solutions’ to our fractured society. But today, it is crucial for us to provide safe spaces in which students can support one another and express their thoughts and feelings about recent events under the guidance of adult facilitators who know and care for them.”

Steven Lee, Director of Equity and Inclusion

“Affinity spaces are not created to isolate, but rather to provide a safe and inclusive environment for students to express themselves and be heard in a world where they are otherwise silenced. I’ve seen the power and effect it has had in my own life, both professionally and personally, and I strive to provide the same for all of my students. As the facilitator for ‘Black Girls Meet’, I cannot convey in words the powerful moments we have shared; it allows us to better understand ourselves and, therefore, each other. Burke’s commitment to Equity and Inclusion often requires hard and uncomfortable conversions, but that is exactly what is required in order to effect change. We must become comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Vanessa Aird, High School Dean of Students

“In my time at Burke, affinity groups have become very important to me. They create a safe space that allows me to talk with other students who understand and can relate to what I am experiencing and have experienced. In my affinity groups at Burke, I never feel silenced and no one has ever made me feel that my opinions are not valid. The groups encourage me to embrace who I am and to feel confident and proud of my identity. Affinity groups at Burke create opportunities to build connections with other students who can relate, who are there as a solid support system, and who have meaningful discussions. These groups have been a big part of making me feel like I belong in the Burke community.”

Leah H. ‘22

“Following the People of Color Conference, which I attended as a student chaperone in 2016, Steven helped me begin AWARE: the Alliance of White Anti-Racist Educators. In 2018, we began having some joint meetings with the FOC (Faculty of Color), which were very successful. Jim Gagne joined me as a co-facilitator, and the number of regular attendees has continued to increase throughout 2019-20. This summer, we have continued to meet virtually and collect and share resources.”

Amanda Bozarth, Library Director

2019-2020 SCHEDULED AFFINITY GROUPS

Asian Students Alliance Black Girls Speak Black Student Union Boys Leading Boys Chinese Affinity Group Club Hispano Feminist Cooperative (FemCo) Immigrant Family Affinity Group Mixed Race Affinity Group Muslim Student Association Students of Color (MS and HS) Students Supporting All Sexualities and Identities (SSASI) White Allies/Accomplices (MS and HS) Young Black Men

Explore Burke’s crowd-sourced Equity & Inclusion Resource Library at www.burkeschool.org/equity.

STAND Part Three:

Positioning Burke for the future.