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.

We understand that diversity goes well beyond race so our students are exposed to the concept of intersectionality, understanding that all people have facets of identity that give them power in this society and all people may have facets of their identity that may take that power away. Affinity Groups are designed to be a positive vehicle for creating connections with others in our community who may share an identity or experience. Current groups are listed below. These may change as interests or needs change. Some divisions also offer Discussion Groups, which allow students to build community through learning and discussions.

Family Affinity Groups

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.

AFFINITY GROUPS

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI)
Black
Jewish
Latinx
Multiracial

AFFINITY ALLY GROUPS

AWARE (Alliance of White Anti-Racists Everywhere)
Neurodiversity

Upper School Student Affinity Groups

Any Upper School student may start a group. Groups stop and start as student interests or needs change. Affinity Groups that have been active on campus recently include:

All Queer Environment (AQE)—LGBTQ+ Affinity
Asian American and Pacific Islander Affinity Group (AAPI)
D.R.E.A.M. (Diverse, Resilient, and Essential American Migrants)
Interfaith
Desi Affinity Group
Hispanic/Latinx Affinity Group
Jewish Affinity Group / Jewish Student Union
Middle Eastern Affinity Group
Multi-Culti
S.A.F.E. (Students and Friends for Equality)
TRIBE (The Real Indescribable Black Experience)

Middle School Student Affinity and Discussion Groups

Affinity Groups are for students who can speak from the "I" perspective, and may be suggested by Middle School students. Groups stop and start as student interests or needs change.

Asian (AAPI)
Black/African American
DESI
Female-identifying
Jewish
Hispanic/Latinx
LGBTQIA+
Middle Eastern
Multi-Culti
Neurodiversity
Positive Masculinity

Discussion Groups are for students who wish to explore culture and identity (not from the "I" perspective).

Famous movements throughout history
Famous figures and objects
History of race, culture, and identity

Lower School Affinity Groups

In the Lower School, students can connect through Affinity Groups and Community Groups. Community Groups are open to all students. During the meeting times students play games and do activities designed to help them build relationships and a sense of belonging. Some weeks activities will have an equity and inclusion focus. Each meeting time students will have an opportunity to choose to join their assigned Community Group or an Affinity-Based Connection Group.

Affinity-based groups are led by an adult who can speak from the I-perspective and are intended for children who also hold an I-perspective. Affinity Groups may be suggested by Lower School students, and these groups can change to accommodate new interests or needs.

Black
Christian*
East Asian
Jewish
Latino/Latinx
LGBTQ+
Learning Differences
Multiracial
South Asian
Southeast Asian

*While being Christian is not a marginalized identity in the U.S., identifying as Christian is a minority population at Catlin Gabel.