Affinity Groups at Ockley Green

Nurturing personal identities and fostering community are perfect partners when it comes to education. When all students gain a better sense of themselves and those around them, learning outcomes are greater and benefit not only the student, but the world they live in. Our various student-led Affinity Groups here at school are built and function on this understanding.

These culturally-specific spaces allow our diverse student population the opportunity to gather and explore concepts, conditions and experiences based on racial and cultural realities. There is sometimes a misconception that affinity equals exclusion. The reality is that affinity in a community of shared experiences creates the space for sharing, questioning, learning and healing that can’t always come from mixed group settings.

Part of anti-racist work is creating both spaces for affinity and spaces to come together, with the understanding that both spaces are actively working toward the same goal.

2023-24 Ockley Green Affinity Groups:

• BSU - Black Students Unite Hosted by Ms. Melissa and Mrs. Siegfried
• GSA - Gender Sexuality Alliance Hosted by Ms. Galen and Ms. Harbauer
• LUCHA - Latinos Unidos con Honor y Amistad Hosted by Ms. Genie and Ms. Miranda
• PISA - Pacific Islander Student Association Hosted by Mr. Ian