91̽»¨

Employee Affinity Organizations

OHIO's Employee Affinity Organizations are part of the university's collective efforts to leverage diversity to improve productivity, create a sense of togetherness and ensure that employees experience a greater sense of engagement and belonging, which in turn has a direct impact on student recruitment and persistence. Affinity organizations are formed around a shared identity, common bond and a commitment to invest in the professional development of historically marginalized or underrepresented groups of faculty and staff.

To receive support and recognition from the University, the organization's membership must be open to any and all interested employees around the affinity topic or identity; have a clear sense of purpose, including a mission statement that contributes to the larger University’s mission and core values; have a public presence such as, website and email, and meet as a whole at least two times per year. Recognition provides access to services, benefits, and support available through the Division of Diversity and Inclusion.

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion and University Human Resources supports these groups in promoting a sense of belonging and providing a community for our employees. We encourage the formation of new affinity organizations and would like to support any employees interested in starting one.

91̽»¨'s recognized Employee Affinity Organizations

AAPI - LEAD

AAPI-LEAD fosters networking, professional development, awareness, and support for Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders at 91̽»¨. It also serves as a resource for the larger AAPI community in Athens and Regional Higher Education (RHE) locations. AAPI-LEAD seeks to elevate awareness and advocate for the diverse needs of OHIO AAPI members through educational, cultural, and social activities. AAPI-LEAD aligns with OHIO’s inclusive excellence and strategic goals, as well as provides leadership regarding OHIO AAPI faculty, staff, student, and alumni issues.

For more information: aapi@ohio.edu

COESAD

Council of Employees and Staff of African Descent (COESAD) is geared towards faculty, staff, and graduate students of African descent at 91̽»¨. COESAD hosts various themed events throughout the year. Programming covers a wide array of events and typically includes a Welcome Roundup in early fall and an end of the year celebration in spring, in addition to supporting other campus events such as the Black Alumni Reunion (BAR).

For more information: Acie Clayborne, clayborne@ohio.edu

Fat Liberation @ OHIO

Fat Liberation @ OHIO provides community and connection for fat people at 91̽»¨ and advocates for inclusion, equity, and justice for fat people in all parts of 91̽»¨ life. This is not a space for intentional weight loss or anti-"obesity" work, but for recognizing the inherent dignity and flabulousness of fat people.
 
For more information:  FatLib@ohio.edu

Out OHIO

Out OHIO promotes efforts that connect LGBTQ employees with one another, increase visibility and inclusion of LGBTQ people in the OHIO community, and build solidarity with people across all identities and lived experience.


For more information: OutOHIO@ohio.edu

The 91̽»¨ Women's Club

OUWC is a social organization for women employees, spouses/partners and alum of 91̽»¨. The club provides a unique support system to members of all ages, sharing a passion for and support of the 91̽»¨ and Athens communities. With interest groups offering monthly wine tastings, lunch uptown, dinner parties, book clubs and movie nights, there is something for everyone.

For more information: ouwc@ohio.edu

Sick and Disabled OHIOans

Sick and Disabled Ohioans is rooted in the care work, culture, and advocacy of disability community and Disability Justice organizing. SDO is a place for 91̽»¨ staff and faculty and their partners who are Disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, d/Deaf, Mad, or are persons with disabilities, and staff and faculty who support the group's mission. The organization aims to build community and connection between sick and disabled people, build and uplift disability culture, share resources, assist people with building care webs, and advocate for the full inclusion, equity, and justice for the full community of Deaf, Mad, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and other disabled folks at OHIO.
For more information: SDO@ohio.edu

University Interfaith Association

UIA is an association of clergy and campus ministers from the Athens religious community committed to meeting the religious and spiritual needs of 91̽»¨ students, faculty and staff. Members of UIA provide advice and counsel on matters of campus religious activity and student spiritual development.

For more information: Rev. Robert Martin, rmartin@athensfpc.org

 

Events

Monday, January 20 9:30 AM — 10:00 AM Good Shepherd Church, located at 64 University Terrace

Thursday, January 23 12:00 PM — 3:00 PM Baker University Center

Wednesday, March 26 All Day Baker University Center