[Libs-Or] New 2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Affinity Meetup Group

[BRUNSON-ROCHETTE Ericka * SLO]

Good afternoon!
I am excited to announce the launch of a monthly 2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Affinity Meetup group. This meetup group is for library workers employed, volunteering or seeking a library job in Oregon that identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and/or not listed as it pertains to sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression). 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 2SLGBTQIA+ library workers to share resources, give and receive support, network, converse, and to create a sense of belonging with one another.

The first 2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Affinity Meetup will take place on Tuesday, February 18th from noon-1pm; meeting details can be found here<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/_2SLGBTQIAAffinityMeetup>. These meetups will not be formally facilitated, nor will there be a set agenda. This group will be specifically focused on promoting safety, support, and confidentiality of those in attendance. To that end, if a point of contact for this group is not identified by 2/18, I will be in attendance for the first couple minutes of the meeting to turn over host privileges to one or two attendees before recusing myself from the meeting space. If you are interested in being a point of contact for this group, please reach out to me directly. If you are uncomfortable with my being present at the start of the meeting, please provide feedback anonymously here<https://forms.gle/RPp4pijVjUwUDBqLA>.

For this first meeting, I am also asking that any 2SLGBTQIA+ workers who supervise and/or manage other library staff refrain from attending. If you are a 2SLGBTQIA+ 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 and 2SLGBTQIA+ 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 as time, ability and capacity allows.

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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