[Libs-Or] New BIPOC Virtual Affinity Meetup group

[BRUNSON-ROCHETTE Ericka * SLO]

Good morning!
I am excited to announce the launch of a monthly BIPOC virtual affinity meetup group. This meetup group is for BIPOC  (Black, Indigenous and people of color) library workers employed, volunteering or seeking a library job in Oregon. An affinity group, as defined by the New York State Library<https://nyslibrary.libguides.com/dei/affinity>, is a "group of people linked by a common purpose, ideology, identity, or interest. Affinity Groups play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed."  This space is intended to be an opportunity for BIPOC library workers to share resources, give and receive support, network, converse, and to create a sense of belonging with other people of color.

The first BIPOC Virtual Affinity Meetup will take place on Tuesday, January 28th from noon-1pm; meeting details can be found here<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/BIPOCAffinityMeetup>. This group will be specifically focused on promoting safety, support, and confidentiality of those in attendance. These meetups will not be formally facilitated, nor will there be a set agenda. The future of this virtual affinity space will be shaped entirely by the needs and wants of attendees, and/or feedback received from Oregon library workers who identify as Black, Indigenous or as a person of color.

If you do not identify as Black, Indigenous or as a person of color, please do not plan on attending this meet-up. If you are looking for avenues of support and learning for your library staff of color and/or communities of color, please connect with me. Your help preserving this space for BIPOC library staff is appreciated.

For this first meeting, I am also asking that any BIPOC workers who supervise and/or manage other library staff refrain from attending.  If you are a BIPOC supervising staff member and a space like this is needed, feel free to reach out to me, or provide feedback anonymously here<https://forms.gle/RPp4pijVjUwUDBqLA>.
If you are interested in seeing an affinity space created for another marginalized, minoritized or racialized identity falling outside of BIPOC library workers, please share your interest here<https://forms.gle/Lua4iaeiQBTdQkFk8>.  I will be looking at how to expand these spaces to other identity groups in the new year.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Warm Regards,

Ericka Brunson-Rochette (she/her/hers)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant
State Library of Oregon
ericka.brunson-rochette at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:ericka.brunson-rochette at slo.oregon.gov>| 971-375-5126
www.oregon.gov/library/libraries<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>
[Logo for the Library Support & Development Services division at the State Library of Oregon]<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>
Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday


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