Affinity Groups

Catlin Gabel offers affinity groups to students who are in our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, as well as families, as a means to strengthen our community and to provide opportunities for personal growth and experience.

Staff from the diversity and inclusion office also run a monthly discussion group, IONS (In Our Neighbors’ Shoes), that is designed for adults in our community (parents, guardians, and employees) to share stories, learn from one another, and forge new connections. IONS discussions can also include current affairs and social justice issues.

Family Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups are designed to create connections to others in our community who may share an identity or experience. If any family member identifies with a specific group, all members of that family belong to that group. Any parent or guardian can create an Affinity Group within our community. Current groups are listed below, but may change as interests or needs change:

AFFINITY GROUPS

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI)
Black
Jewish
Latinx
Multiracial
Rainbow Families (LGBTQ+)

AFFINITY ALLY GROUPS

Neurodiversity
AWARE

Upper School Student Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups have shown to be a positive vehicle for creating authentic connections. Any Upper School student may start a group. Groups stop and start as student interests or needs change. Groups that have been active on campus recently include:

99% (economic diversity)
AAPI
All Queer Environment (LGBTQ+)
DESI
Invisible-Visible Differences
Jewish
Latinx
Multi Culti (Multiracial)
TRIBE (The Real Indescribable Black Experience)

Middle School Student Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups have shown to be a positive vehicle for creating authentic connections. Affinity Groups may be started by any Middle School student. Groups may change to accommodate new interests or needs. Groups that have been active recently include:

AAPI-DESI
Black
Economic Diversity
Female Identification
Jewish
Latinx
LGBTQ+
Middle Eastern
Multiracial
Neurodivergent

Lower School Affinity Groups

In the Lower School, students can connect through Affinity Groups and Community Groups. These two groups meet every other week. Community Groups are open to all students. Affinity Groups may be suggested by Lower School students, and these groups can change to accommodate new interests or needs. Groups that have been active recently include:

AAPI
African American
Identity Burrito (LGBTQ+)
Jewish
Multiracial