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Mar
29

Employee affinity groups

Learn more about King County's employee affinity groups, which may also be called Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Affinity groups are employee-led, and formed around protected classes, like race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and military/veteran status.

 

What are affinity groups?

An Employee Resource Group (ERG), also known as an affinity group, is an employee-led group formed around shared interests, issues, and backgrounds.

King County 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.

Affinity groups 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

Who can participate in an affinity group?

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

How do I join an affinity group?

Employees must have manager approval to participate in an affinity group. Contact the affinity group representative for information about meeting times and group member agreements.

If an employee wants to try out an affinity group, they may attend 2 meetings on a trial basis. If the employee wishes to continue attending, the manager must sign the employee’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) participation approval form (278 KB).

Current affinity groups

Starting a new affinity group

For a countywide affinity group, submit a proposal to the Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice.

The proposal must have an executive sponsor who is a member of the Executive Branch cabinet and approval from the Director of the Office of Equity and Social Justice.

For department-level affinity groups, the department director or designee must approve the request.

American Asian Native Hawaiian Pasifika (AANHP)

We seek to create a space focused on discussion, connection, community, and the creation of a shared identity for Asian, American Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pasifika or any other culture within the broad span of countries deemed modern-day “Asia.”

We approach this effort through the lens of our values, which are:

  • Embodying love, kindness, and compassion, which looks like maintaining connection, practicing understanding, potentially taking accountability, pursuing healing and mutual repair in the face of harm.
  • Being in warm-hearted community, which looks like assuming positive intent, rejoicing with, and celebrating one another.
  • Participating in and embracing learning, which looks like approaching spaces with an open, welcoming mind, a willingness to be moved and changed, and recognizing we all have something beneficial to learn from one another.

AANHP affinity group goals and objectives

Our goal is to collectively create and define an American Asian Native Hawaiian Pasifika identity through discussion, debate, and learning.

We work to determine what a collective AANHP identity feels & looks like in practice, taking into account our similarities as well as our differences.

We are focused on exploring and creating shared identity first and foremost with our group, and then expanding out to engage the King County AANHP community at large, and then our fellow affinity groups and other communities through our below objectives:

  • Lay a foundation and create a clear standard structure for leadership and programming
  • Host quarterly in-person Friday salons for discussion and cultural celebration in preparation for an AANHP summit
  • Host monthly virtual gatherings with discussion themes and speakers in presentation for an AANHP summit
  • Host a full day retreat for AANHP Heritage Month 2023 to facilitate discussion and community-building in preparation for an AANHP summit
  • Host the first of a yearly AANHP summit in May 2024 focused on creating a collective AANHP identity in all its similarities and differences

Who can join the AANHP affinity group?

All King County employees who self-identify as Asian, American Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pasifika, or any other culture within the broad span of countries deemed modern-day “Asia” who are committed to the vision and embrace our values are welcome to join.

We ask that you review our vision and program plan, and hope you take advantage of the opportunity to participate in our team structure by joining one of our 3 leadership groups.

  • Teachers, Speakers, and Discussion Guides (TSDs) – Help guide salon, monthly virtual gathering, retreat, & ultimately AANHP summit discussions by speaking, teaching, and contributing ideas and cultural knowledge
  • Connection Coordinators (CCs) – Help with event planning logistics of in-person salons, 2023 AANHP month retreat, and the 2024 AANHP summit
  • Knowledge Crowdsourcers (KCs) – Help collect and contribute contacts for topics, themes, speakers, and organizations to bring into our virtual monthly gatherings, and encourage others to do so as well

AANHP affinity group leadership and contacts

Current Leadership Team: Allen Gomes, Meon Yu, Mark Manuel, Molly Lua, Tyler Jenicek, and Yingying Huang Fernandes

Contact us at: zzaanhpleadershipcouncil@kingcounty.gov

Anti-Racist White Action Group (ARWAG)

ARWAG’s mission is to ready, support, and guide white-identifying employees to be constructively useful and active in anti-racism efforts in King County.

ARWAG is creating values/principles to focus on:

  • Members are encouraged and expected to engage in continuous education to gain awareness, competencies, skills, and abilities.
  • All members are expected to engage in activities that identify and interrupt racism and white privilege in King County workplaces and service delivery.

ARWAG goals and objectives

  • Collaborate with, take guidance from, and support other employee resource and affinity groups toward pro-equity and anti-racist institution and system changes
  • Among white-identifying employees, increase the awareness of white privilege and build readiness to interrupt privilege and racism.
  • Build a community of white-identifying members who support and hold one another accountable to identify and implement pro-equity and anti-racist actions in our agencies and communities
  • Unpack and interrupt internalized racial superiority in ourselves.

Who can join the ARWAG?

All King County employees who identify as white and are interested in the mission and purpose of the group are invited and welcome. Membership is voluntary. Members can use up to 3 work hours a month to participate in ARWAG meetings and activities. Time spent in ARWAG meeting and activities is not eligible for overtime.

ARWAG leadership and contacts

ARWAG has a shared leadership structure, with members volunteering to facilitate the monthly meeting.

A planning group - open to all members - provides support via outreach to new members, MS Teams site support for meeting facilitators (regarding guest speakers, readings and community building ideas), meeting scheduling, and serving as a liaison between ARWAG, other Employee Resource Groups, and the King County Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice.

Contact for ARWAG Leadership Team: ARWAG@kingcounty.gov

Current leadership members:

  • Richard Gelb
  • Shannon Harris
  • Steve Klusman
  • Geneva Neubauer
  • Barbara Ramey
  • Christina Riley
  • Katie Schneier

Black African Affinity Group (BAAG)

BAAG is a collective that recognizes the importance of centering our cultural strength through community.

We are comprised of employees of the Black culture, including but not limited to those of African, Caribbean, European African, Afro-Hispanic and African American backgrounds.

From its inception, the primary goal of BAAG has been the support and retention of Black employees through a holistic environment.

Historically, the focal point of African American life has centered around community such as family, churches, neighborhoods, and volunteer organizations. Community is how we connect, share resources, and share knowledge. We are strongest when we work together, support one another, and lift each other up. Through our culture we will cultivate the success of all Black employees.

At King County having a community to connect with is crucial. This is especially evident in the context of institutional and systemic racism, colorism, and health disparities. The Black African Affinity Group centers on providing employees with a community platform. We strive to provide opportunities for members to engage, build community and make connections while growing each other culturally, professionally, and socially.

BAAG leadership and contacts

Co-Chairs: Debra Baker
Co-Chairs: Elena Edwards 
Administrator: Arone Andu

To join the Black African Affinity Group, contact Arone Andu.

Black/African Women’s Affinity Group

The Black/African Women’s Affinity Group provides a platform for Black/African employees who identify as women to have a voice, network, support one another, and address societal and workplace issues that are unique to the Black Woman’s experience.

We are a community driven group based on Sistahood, culture, support, and empowerment.

Sistas
In
Solidarity
Taking
Action

We not only support one another, we also strengthen and lift each other up. The Black/African Women’s Affinity Group is community focused, realizing that community only truly thrives when its most marginalized members do.

Sistas with voices!

Our is motto: “We Gon Change This Joint!”

We work towards dismantling systematic racism and inequity as well as provide a platform for underserved communities to have a voice. We actively seek to create space and opportunity for Black/African Women in spaces they have been historically excluded from.

Black/African Women’s Affinity Group leadership and contacts

Co-Chairs:

Miesha Vaughn, Miesha.Vaughn@kingcounty.gov

Ebony Frazier, Ebony.Frazier@kingcounty.gov

Please contact us if you are interested in joining the Black/African Women’s Affinity Group, would like more information about the group, or seeking collaboration.

King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) Affinity Group

The King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) aims to serve the disability community through fellowship, by providing support, and in the co-creation of equitable policies, practices, and approaches – all in service to the disability community, including King County employees.

KCDEN was established in late 2021 by and for employees who self-identify as having a disability. 

KCDEN has 2 meetings each month:

KCDEN Monthly Business Meeting
Second Friday of every month, 12 noon to 1 pm
Participants can anticipate a formal agenda focused on issues which address and advance disability equity across King County government. 

KCDEN Community Building Conversation
Fourth Friday of every month, 12 noon to 1 pm
Participants can anticipate an informal conversation focused on the shared experience of disability. 

KCDEN goals and objectives

The purpose of the King County Disability Equity Network is to center and support those employees who self-identify as a person with a disability. Employees will not be asked to disclose any information about one’s disability.

Members engage in monthly virtual gatherings and stay connected through KCDEN’s private Teams site.

We welcome you to join us!

Members work collectively to advance the following goals:

  • Create opportunities for peer-to-peer support and resource sharing
  • Ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities at work and in the community
  • Address ableism and removing barriers in the workplace
  • Address intersectionality with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized identities
  • Inform policy and other decisions that impact persons with disabilities in King County

KCEN leadership and contacts

Connect with current KCDEN lead Karla Lynch via email at disabilityequity@kingcounty.gov.

KCDEN resources

King County disability/accessiblity resources

King County Latinx (KCLx) Affinity Group

We strive to bring together colleagues of common backgrounds, interests, or work to help advance and advocate for equity in our communities.

We celebrate the multitudes of Hispanic and Latino identities, and we recognize these historically encompass people in Asian, Black/African, Indigenous, Queer, and Disability communities whom we must work to uplift.

Our General Meetings take place monthly and alternate times and days.

  • In even months, we meet on the 2nd Thursday at 1 pm
  • In odd months, we meet on the 2nd Wednesday at 12 noon

Contact KCLx to join our email distribution list and get the calendar invite.

Check out the KCLx charter (228 KB)

KCLx purpose and goals

Consistent with the King County’s commitment to making King County a welcoming community were every person can thrive, King County’s Latinx Affinity Group (KCLx), works with leadership to inform policies and procedures that address racism and other forms of oppression.

KCLx builds relationships with colleagues who share common interests or backgrounds and provides opportunities for members to develop their leadership skills. KCLx is supported by the Office of Equity and Social Justice and advocates for the implementation of King County’s Equity and Social Justice Plan.

  • Goal 1: Develop opportunities for members to network, learn, build common ground, collaborate, share resources, grow professionally, and support one another

    • Create a space for ethnic, racial, and gender minorities within the Latinx membership, in which we operate consciously of social justice, accountably to each other, and intentionally to create equitable spaces
    • Deepen understanding of systemic racism and issues affecting KC Latinx employees and the community at large
    • Operate as a collective and for the interest of the group

  • Goal 2: Advance equity and social justice within King County government

    • Inform policies and procedures that address racism and other forms of oppression
    • Support, advocate, and serve as a resource for the implementation of King County Equity and Social Justice Plan
    • Support and advocate for recruitment and retention of Latinx employees.
    • Further awareness and increase visibility of Latinx issues within King County
    • Collaborate with other affinity groups

  • Goal 3: Advance equity and social justice across King County

    • Increase the visibility of Latinx issue
    • Support and advocate for King County social justice efforts engaging and impacting the Latinx community
    • Enhance recognition and reputation of King County in Latinx communities

KCLx mission and values

Our mission is to build equitable community for King County Latinx employees and the Latinx community at large.

Our values define the way we act, what’s important to us, and our expectations for ourselves and one another:

  • Teamwork
  • Authenticity
  • Collective impact
  • Equity and social justice
  • Accountability and transparency
  • Empowerment
  • Relationship-centric
  • Strategic impact
  • Shared leadership

KCLx leadership and contacts

Leadership Team members shall attend monthly Leadership Team meetings as well as General Membership meetings with an expected time commitment of an average of 6 work hours per month.

KCLx leadership will be determined by members via a voting process and will serve an 18-month term of which includes a 6-month transition period to help the next leadership team maintain continuity and momentum.

Positions:

  • Co-Chairs (2)
  • External Community Engagement Chair
  • Events Co-Chairs (2)

For questions about KCLx, please email LatinxAffinityGroup@kingcounty.gov.

KCLx initiatives

  • KCLx Cafecito

    Cafecitos are a relaxed and fun community-building space we create and share with each other! Expect making connections with other coworkers in King County through a smaller group setting and making lots of plática!

  • Professional development

    • Promotores Ignite Presentations
      Promotores is part of our Monthly Meetings to promote employee advancement This is a 5-minute presentation series that highlights a members' role a person in King County. Learn about what they are doing, how they got there, the skills and tools needed, plus other opportunities to network and connect with this line of work
    • KCLx HR and DEI collaboration
      KCLx joins other affinity groups and professional development leaders in ongoing workshops to create actions plans that advance equity in employee experience for BIPOC people at King County. We are addressing issues in hiring and retention.

  • Community partnerships

    • Environmental Health Services Division and University of Washington Bothell
      KCLx co-hosted one of the “Coffee Conversations” series featuring our distinguished guest, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven González!

    • Sea Mar Museum
      We have hosted events with the Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/a/Latino/a Culture and promote the work they do in the community.
    • Metro, Sound Transit, SDOT
      KCLx partners or promotes events for community or employees from these regional transportation organizations.

  • Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
    National Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month is observed September 15 to October 15 in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

 

LGBTQ+ Affinity Group

Consistent with King County’s commitment to leading with racial justice and making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive, King County’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group exists at the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.

While all LGBTQ+ folks are welcome, this group centers the lived experiences of Black and Indigenous people of color and those who identify as Transgender, Non-binary, Two Spirit, and other non-conforming gender identities.

Contact: lgbtq@kingcounty.gov

Native American Leadership Council (NALC) Affinity Group

The King County Native American Leadership Council is a forum where First Nations, Indigenous people and our allies can come together to build community, leadership, employee enrichment and cultural preservation.

Our purpose and goals

Our mission revolves around the following central goals:

  • To increase the visibility of American Indians, Alaskan Natives, First Nations, Native Hawaiian and indigenous issues and initiatives within local, state and federal governments and their surrounding and tribal communities
  • To promote, further and strengthen Equity and Social Justice
  • To provide educational opportunities that further awareness and recognize the contributions of Indigenous people
  • To enhance the recognition and reputation of King County in American Indians, Alaskan Natives, First Nations and Native Hawaiian and other Indigenous communities
  • To support and increase Native American recruitment and retention
  • To provide a safe and positive workspace that is respectful, inclusive and welcoming

Leadership and contacts

Our membership is made up of American Indian, Alaska Native and Indigenous employees and community leaders, and our allies across King County departments and Seattle/King County population.

Contact: Katherine Festa, Chair of the Native American Leadership Council

Refugees & Immigrant Support & Empowerment (RISE)

 

Vision: All King County foreign born employees feel valued and included and have equitable opportunities to thrive in the workplace.

Mission: Empower immigrant and refugee employees to succeed in the workplace through providing a collective voice and representation; creating a space that fosters a sense of community and belonging; and advocating for equitable access to resources, support, and opportunities for professional growth.

Values:

  • We cultivate a COMMUNITY
  • We embrace and celebrate DIVERSITY
  • We elevate VOICES OF I&R EMPLOYEES
  • We foster DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH
  • We focus on OPPORTUNITIES

Learn more about RISE in our one-pager (1.8 MB)

Contact Information: If you have questions about RISE or would like to receive emails about upcoming meetings, please email us at rise@kingcounty.gov.

Veterans and Military Affinity Group

The King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group provides guidance, resources, and mutual support to our network of veteran and military employees.

We strive to make King County a more equitable workplace that attracts, retains, and develops veteran and military employees so they may achieve their full potential and thrive.

Motto: Service – Integrity – Commitment – Equity

Values: We epitomize the core values learned through our military service; showcasing to others the positive impacts that Veterans bring to the King County workplace and community.

  • Leading with integrity, we uphold King County’s True North vision.
  • We are committed as guides, mentors, and resources for our fellow Veterans.
  • We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of other Affinity Groups striving to achieve equitable outcomes.

VMAG leadership and contacts

Affinity Group Co-Chair: Renita Borders, Council

Affinity Group Co-Chair: Fred Seaton, DAJD

Membership Chair: Keith Clarke, DHR

Events Chair: Jennifer Broadus, KCIT

Communications & Social Media Chair: Elizabeth Inglese, KCIT

Finance Manager Chair: Van Badzik, Executive Office

Policy Liaison Chair: Chris Franco, Office of Equity & Social Justice

HR Liaison Chair: Susan Navetski, DHR

Content Manager/Administrator Chair: Walt Ames, DHR

To be notified of upcoming meetings, events and other important information please email vet.milag@kingcounty.gov to be added to the VMAG email distribution list.

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