Employee Affinity Groups

Fostering connection and belonging by bringing faculty and staff together through shared communities that support inclusion, engagement and campus connection at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Photo: Members of CSUMB employee affinity groups

Connect Through Community

Employee Affinity Groups bring faculty and staff together around shared identities, interests and experiences. These groups help cultivate a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

Affinity Groups create space for connection, collaboration and shared advocacy. They strengthen community across campus while contributing to a more inclusive and equitable Cal State Monterey Bay. Groups are supported by the Office of Community and Belonging and may be eligible for funding.

Staff and Faculty in Costa Rica

Get Involved

Faculty and staff are encouraged to take part in building a welcoming and inclusive workplace. You can get involved by joining an Employee Affinity Group, attending campus events or helping shape initiatives that advance community and belonging.

Explore Affinity Groups

For more information: oies@csumb.edu

This alliance brings together faculty and staff to build community and support student success. Since its re-establishment in 2009, the group has continued to grow and partner across campus to advance diversity, inclusion and engagement.

Meets: Third Wednesday of each month
Contact: aahfsa@csumb.edu

La Colectiva creates space to build authentic connections, engage in peer mentoring and support personal and professional success. The group also advocates for well-being and belonging while strengthening partnerships across campus communities.

Meets: Third Thursday of each month
Get involved: Join the Facebook group or complete the interest form

EADE fosters a more inclusive campus by encouraging engagement, awareness and advocacy around disability. Participation helps build community and supports employees in bringing their full, authentic selves to work.

This group provides a supportive space for connection, shared experiences and community-building among Muslim employees at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Shalom fosters an inclusive community that celebrates Jewish cultures and heritages. The group promotes learning, dialogue and connection while working to counter antisemitism and build understanding across communities.

Contact: shalom@csumb.edu

This group connects LGBTQ+ faculty and staff, supports student success and advances equity initiatives on campus and in the broader community.

The Native American Council supports Native students, faculty and staff while strengthening relationships with tribal communities. The council also advises campus leadership on issues impacting Native communities.

This group offers support, resources and connection for faculty and staff navigating early parenthood, including childcare, milestones and work-life balance.

Get involved: Join the interest list

WEAREC brings employees together to engage in anti-racism work through dialogue, reflection and action. The group focuses on learning, accountability and building stronger allyship across campus.

This group supports veterans, military-connected employees and their families by fostering community, connection and success at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Photo: A group of smiling staff members

Join the Employee Affinity Group Mailing List

Stay connected with Employee Affinity Groups and receive updates on events, resources and opportunities to engage. Sign up to connect with colleagues who share your interests and experiences.

Join the Mailing List

Start an Affinity Group

Employee Affinity Groups begin with a small group of committed employees who share a common purpose. Through collaboration and support from the Office of Community and Belonging, your group can create meaningful connections and foster a stronger sense of belonging across Cal State Monterey Bay.

Starting an Affinity Group is an opportunity to bring people together around shared experiences, interests and goals.

To launch your group:

  • Connect with colleagues who are interested in helping start and sustain the group
  • Identify your group’s focus, including the community or shared experience it will center
  • Draft a mission statement and outline your goals to guide your work
  • Plan your first meeting, including a date, time and location
  • Coordinate your initial meeting with the Office of Community and Belonging

Employee Affinity Groups are open to all Cal State Monterey Bay employees, and participation is entirely voluntary. Groups are formed and sustained through the shared interest and commitment of employees, without pressure from the university or group members.

Affinity Groups operate for educational, social, civic and community-building purposes, supporting the university’s mission and contributing to an inclusive campus environment. Activities may include hosting recruitment events, building community partnerships, creating opportunities for networking and professional development, and fostering social and intellectual engagement. Through these efforts, groups help strengthen community and enhance the visibility and impact of Cal State Monterey Bay.

All programs and activities sponsored by Employee Affinity Groups are expected to be financially self-supported.

Students sitting in the OSU loungw

Get Support

Reach out to learn how you can join or create an Affinity Group.

Find Your Community

Start building your community. Contact the Office of Community and Belonging to get started.

Contact

Office of Community and Belonging