Affinity Group Work-on-Site Spaces

A joint initiative between the Office of Equity Transformation and UM Libraries, Affinity Group Work-on-Site Spaces aim to provide a supportive environment for individuals to connect within identity-based affinity groups and to build community through a shared work and study space. 

About the program

The Affinity Group Work-on-Site Spaces program uses a pop-up style approach to designate spaces within the university for individuals from systemically marginalized and underrepresented groups to come together for study and quiet work. These spaces provide opportunities for connection, mutual support, and empowerment, while fostering a sense of belonging within the broader institutional environment. 

The initiative is part of the university's commitment to fostering a vibrant community through community-building efforts.

What is an Affinity Group?

An affinity group is a group of individuals who share a particular identity. This identity can be based on race, Indigeneity, gender, sexualities, disabilities, chronic health conditions, newcomer status, first generation university students, family structure, religion, and so on. Affinity groups may also be based on intersectional identities and lived experiences.

These are affinity-based spaces and linked to personal identities. The sessions are not linked to specific groups, organizations, clubs, etc. These sessions are not for club or organization meetings, or for recruitment for a particular group.

How the program works

Affinity groups will gather in the Brown Lab at the Elizabeth Dafoe Library at designated times as scheduled through the Affinity Group Work-on-Site Spaces program.

Sessions will be 2-hour in duration and will be coordinated through the Office of Equity Transformation.

At each Affinity Group session, a host will welcome participants, facilitate introductions and explain the work-on-site model.  At the end of the session, the host will lead an informal wrap-up, inviting participants to share a brief self-reflection on the work they completed during the session time. Participation in this sharing is voluntary.

Participants are welcome to join or leave the session at any time, recognizing that individual schedules may not allow participants to attend for the full 2 hour session. Those arriving late or leaving early are asked to do so quietly and without disrupting others. 

A QR code to an online feedback form will be available to participants for ongoing feedback.

Guidelines and expectations

Participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

Respect and Inclusion

  • Respect the purpose of the space as an identity-affirming environment for participants of the designated affinity group. This means only individuals of the specific affinity group should attend the session.
  • Avoid judgment, unsolicited advice, or questioning of identities of those who attend. 
  • Refrain from exclusionary behavior.

Confidentiality

  • The Affinity Group Work-on-Site Spaces are public spaces, and the schedule will be available publicly.
  • Participants will be invited to share names with each other to build inclusion and respect.
  • Do not record, photograph, or share content from the sessions without explicit consent from all participants.

Accessibility

  • Inform hosts of any specific accommodations you may require to participate fully.
  • Use accessible language and avoid language that may exclude or be harmful to others.
  • Be mindful of diverse sensory needs. This is a quiet work-space and not suitable for on-line meetings or classes, watching on-line materials, etc. 

Shared Accountability

  • Be open and welcoming to diverse participants from within the affinity group.
  • Respect shared spaces and resources.
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • Abide by the schedule and guidelines provided for each session.

Expectations of Participants

  • Join groups that align with your identities with the intent of building community and connections in a respectful way
  • Come prepared for quiet work (no meeting/phone calls/etc.) in a shared setting
  • Follow the host’s lead, adhere to the session’s objectives, and direct any questions or concerns to the host
  • Provide feedback through the available channels to help improve the initiative.

Hosting an affinity group session

  • Greet attendees and set up Affinity Group Work-on-Site Spaces signage
  • Facilitate sessions with a focus on inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for individuals of the specific affinity group
  • Act as a resource about the initiative for attendees, addressing concerns or queries promptly
  • Work with the Office of Equity Transformation and UMLibraries staff to ensure space is clean and organized for the session and afterward.

Are you interested in hosting an affinity group session? Please complete the sign-up form.

Expression of Interest to Host Affinity Group Session form

Schedule

Sessions are held in the Brown Lab at the Elizabeth Dafoe Library.

Black Students, Staff and Faculty

  • Tuesday, March 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Host: Keji Preston 

Racially Marginalized Women

  • Friday, March 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Host: Tina Chen

2SLGBTQIA+ Students, Staff and Faculty

  • Monday, March 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Host: Bre Woligroski

Neurodivergent Students, Staff and Faculty

  • Tuesday, April 1 from 11:50 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
  • Host: Dana Medoro

Feedback and reporting

Share your thoughts about the sessions using the feedback form.

Affinity Group Work-on-Site session feedback form for Attendees

Affinity Group Work-on-Site feedback form for Hosts

 

If you experience or witness any concerning behaviour, report it to the session host or contact the Office of Equity Transformation.

Contact us

Please contact us if you have any questions, require accommodation, or support.

Office of Equity Transformation
Room 108 Administration Building
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

 

equity@umanitoba.ca