Inclusion in STEM

Session 5: Finding Solidarity and Support in Affinity Groups

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:30pm Eastern

About the event:

Affinity groups play a crucial role in fostering solidarity and support within communities, organizations, or workplaces. These groups bring together individuals who share common identities, experiences, or interests, providing a space where members can connect, share experiences, offer support and validation, and advocate for change.

There are many different kinds of affinity groups related to STEM fields. These include professional organizations, social media spaces, and workplace resource groups. In this session, we will delve into these groups, discuss their benefits, and examine ways we can participate in, support, and promote them.

2030STEM’s partnership with the New York Academy of Sciences

Research demonstrates that the lack of diversity in STEM fields is a significant barrier to innovation. This necessitates active efforts to include individuals from all backgrounds and ensure we all have equitable opportunities to participate, contribute, and succeed in science, math, engineering, and technology. Including people from various backgrounds, especially those that are underrepresented and marginalized in STEM, allows us to embrace cognitive diversity, unlocking a wealth of creativity and problem-solving potential.

This series delves into a few of the many topics that are essential for actively cultivating a culture of inclusion in STEM, including defining inclusion, promoting inclusive pipelines through mentorship, finding solidarity and power through joining affinity groups, being an inclusive leader, and communicating research in a way that centers inclusion, equity, and intersectionality.

No matter the stage you are in your career, whether a student, fellow, or working professional, learning about and implementing inclusive practices will enrich your work and perspective. Ultimately, STEM should be accessible to everyone, regardless of identity, socioeconomic status, or circumstances. It is not only a matter of social justice but also essential for driving innovation, advancing knowledge, and solving complex problems facing our world.

Learn more and register here.