Affinity Groups – also known as Employee Resource Groups – are employee-led groups formed around shared interests, issues, and backgrounds. Legislative Branch Affinity Groups are unofficial groups who meet on their own time and are not technically affiliated with the ESJ Team. These groups focus exclusively on protected categories as defined by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Protected category-specific Affinity Groups address racism and other forms of oppression to advance the county’s equity and social justice goals.
- Black/African American Affinity Group
- Asian Pacific Islander Affinity Group
- Anti-Racist White Affinity Group
What is an Employee Resource or Affinity Group? An Employee Resource Group (ERG), also known as an Affinity Group, is an employee-led group formed around shared interests, issues, and backgrounds. Legislative Branch Affinity Groups focus exclusively on protected categories as defined by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Protected category-specific Affinity Groups address racism and other forms of oppression to advance the county’s equity and social justice goals.
Who can participate in Affinity Groups? Career service and appointed employees may participate with manager approval. This includes:
- Employees on their initial probation
- Limited temporary employees
- Short-term temporary employees
- Interns
What are the benefits of participating? ERGs help ensure an inclusive environment where all are valued and empowered to succeed and:
- Promote equity and social justice
- Foster employee engagement
- Strengthen workplace effectiveness
- Enhance personal and professional growth
How do you join an Affinity Group? Employees do not need manager approval to participate in an Affinity Group. Contact the group representative of the group you’d like to join for information about meeting times and group member agreements.
How do you start an Affinity Group?