Connecting employees and fostering inclusive work environments across UC ANR
Employee Groups are institutionally supported, employee-led voluntary associations of employees drawn together by a common identity, common interests, shared characteristics, or life experiences. They provide opportunities for people to connect with others who share aspects of their identity, especially in situations where aspects of their identity are in the minority or are marginalized. We encourage participation and collaboration with each of these groups.
Ways to be involved
- Attend events
- Promote initiatives and events within your group, division or area
- Assist with initiative or event planning
- Serve on a subcommittee or group initiative
- Take a leadership role, such as leading a committee, serving on a steering committee or serving as co-chair
Current affinity groups and Employee Groups
- Latinx & Friends Affinity Group
- UC ANR Black and Allied Employees
- People of Color Employee Group at UC ANR
Policies and procedures
- UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual Section 492, Affinity Groups
- Appendix I: Affinity Group Charter Template
- Affinity Group Annual Plan Template
Group information
Latinx & Friends Affinity Group
Contact:
Ricardo Vela, rvela@ucanr.edu
Mission statement
The mission of the Latinx & Friends Affinity Group is to create a safe space for all Latinx professionals who work at UC ANR. This is a space to showcase diversity, break implicit biases, end stereotypes, celebrate heritage and strengthen old friendships while forging new ones.
Purpose
- Foster communication and create space for connection among UC ANR staff and academics.
- Provide educational and professional development opportunities for Latinx and Friends and Allies academic and staff professionals.
- Support and promote organizational diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
- Lead or support Hispanic/Latinx History Month acknowledgments and events, contribute to blogs or publications highlighting ANR work with Latinx communities, and partner with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council and other affinity groups.
Goals should be aligned with the UC ANR Principles of Community.
Leadership roles
| Role | Function | Name and email |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Facilitates meetings, writes agendas and leads the group in strategic planning and discussions. | Ricardo Vela rvela@ucanr.edu |
| Vice chair | Supports the chair’s functions and assumes additional duties in the absence of the chair. | Miguel Sanchez migsanchez@ucanr.edu |
| Membership lead | Leads membership and outreach efforts. | Maria Ridoutt-Orozco mridoutt@ucanr.edu |
| Communication lead | Communicates with leadership, sends group communications and may contribute to articles, blogs, newsletters and social media. | Doralicia Garay dgaray@ucanr.edu Lisa Rawleigh lrawleigh@ucanr.edu |
| Secretary | Takes meeting notes, keeps time and maintains records of decisions and action items. | Angela Johnson anejohnson@ucanr.edu |
| Treasurer | Researches funding opportunities and oversees financial administration and spending plans. | Adela Contreras acontreras@ucanr.edu |
| Event planning lead | Leads event planning, solicits outside speakers and identifies professional development opportunities for group members. | Arianna Nava acnava@ucanr.edu |
Term
One-year term, up to three terms in a specific role.
Role designation
Self or peer nomination. Active members will have one vote for each role.
Meetings
The Latinx & Friends Affinity Group meets once per month during work hours for 60 minutes. Additional meetings may occur within subcommittees and with group officers.
Membership
- Open to present staff and academics who submit a statement of intent for membership.
- Guidelines and community agreements for participation will be developed.
UC ANR Black and Allied Employees
Contacts:
Esther N. Mosase, enmosase@ucanr.edu
Purpose
- Foster communication and create space for connection among past and present staff and academics.
- Provide educational and professional development opportunities for Black staff and academics.
- Support and promote organizational diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
Positions
| Role | Function |
|---|---|
| Chair | Facilitates meetings, writes agendas and leads the group in strategic planning and discussions. |
| Vice chair | Supports the chair’s functions and assumes additional duties in the absence of the chair. |
| Vice chair: Membership lead | Supports the chair with an emphasis on membership. |
| Communication lead | Communicates with leadership, sends group communications and may contribute to articles, blogs, newsletters and social media. |
| Secretary | Takes meeting notes, keeps time and maintains records of decisions and action items. |
| Treasurer | Researches funding opportunities and oversees financial administration. |
| Event planning lead | Leads event planning, solicits outside speakers and identifies professional development opportunities for group members. |
Term
One-year term, up to three terms in a specific role.
Role designation
Self or peer nomination. Active members will have one vote for each role.
Meetings
UC ANR Black and Allied Employees meet once per month during work hours for 60 minutes. Additional meetings may occur within subcommittees and with group officers.
Membership
- Open to past and present staff and academics who submit a statement of intent for membership.
- Guidelines and community agreements for participation will be developed.
People of Color Employee Group at UC ANR
Purpose
- Connect and promote relationships among employees with marginalized racial and ethnic identities, including People of Color.
- Provide support, healing and validation for members who experience racism, discrimination and prejudice.
- Prioritize perspectives, experiences and voices of People of Color members.
- Foster inclusive work environments within county and state offices, and research and extension centers.
- Provide perspective, expertise and guidance to ANR leadership on matters related to equity and inclusion that affect current and future People of Color employees.
Contacts
- Chair: Siavash Taravati, UCCE Riverside, staravati@ucanr.edu
- Co-chair: Amrita Mukherjee, UCCE San Bernardino, amukherjee@ucanr.edu
- Co-Chair: Hung Kim Doan, UCCE Riverside, hkdoan@ucanr.edu
Steering committee/co-chairs
Responsibilities may include:
- Scheduling meetings
- Facilitating meetings
- Updating the statement of purpose or bylaws
- Taking notes, as needed
- Managing financial responsibilities, as needed
Meetings
Meetings will take place during normal work hours. Regular meetings will take place at least quarterly, with the possibility of monthly meetings depending on needs determined by co-chairs and members. Additional ad hoc meetings or social gatherings may also occur during or after work hours.
Membership
Membership is open to all UC ANR employees. Allies who do not identify as People of Color are encouraged to respect, listen to, and prioritize People of Color voices and experiences, be curious and open-minded, learn about issues that are important to the People of Color community, and help amplify People of Color concerns.