Division of
Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion

Affinity Groups

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Interest and affinity groups are self-organized groups in which members hold common interests. Affinity groups support professional development, community engagement and outreach and recruitment and retention of underserved students, faculty and staff.

How Do I Create an Affinity Group?

Explore information about forming an affinity group and funding.

Forming an interest group

To form an interest group, the following conditions must be met:

  • There must be at least two leaders or coordinators willing to do most of the initial coordination and program development
  • Our division must support the concept of creating an interest group in proposed area, they are not exclusionary and all groups are open to any UMKC faculty or staff person
  • A statement of purpose must be submitted to us that outlines the group’s objectives and activities, which must align with the interest group or affinity group purpose and UMKC’s Strategic Plan for Diversity
  • With the exception of affinity groups that already exist, an affinity group typically begins as an interest group with a minimum of 10 members

Forming an affinity group

To form an affinity group, the following conditions must be met:
  • The interest group must be sustained with active programming, events and constituent participation for at least 6 months. These activities should comply with previously set objectives outlined in the statement of purpose
  • Interest group statements of purpose should be used to inform the formal submission of affinity group mission statements, objectives and by-laws
  • Governance structure
    • Affinity groups can determine the details of the group’s structure and activities but must align with the set guidelines and objectives laid out as an interest group. Revisions can be made with our approval
    • Each affinity group should be headed by a member-elected “chair” (or co-chairs) and supported by member-elected secretary and treasurer; all of whom must be approved by us. The affinity group members should agree on officer term limits to and these should be explicitly stated in by-laws
    • Affinity groups must maintain a regular meeting schedule

Our support 

  • Interest and affinity group designation will be listed on our website
  • Funding
    • Each affinity group will receive a specific amount of our division's annual funding (when available)
    • affinity groups can opt to collect dues or identify other sources of revenue
  • Interest groups and affinity groups will report on a bi-annual basis group objectives, achievements, barriers and successes
  • We will also require a yearly report of all interest group and affinity group activities including programming and meetings schedules