[Libs-Or] February Affinity & DEI Meetups

Thu Jan 29 12:24:28 PST 2026

Hello, all!

Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey affinity/DEI Meetup group feedback survey last month. Your input and comments were extremely helpful and provided great insight on barriers that impact interest and/or attendance, much of which I am still putting intentional thought and consideration towards.

While there may be some small changes to come, given that we are almost through January I want to give people some time to get the February dates on their calendars. To that end, I am going to continue our regular schedule into February and will keep folks apprised of any changes with more notice. I will be adding a ‘suggested topic’ of discussion for the DEI General meetup groups moving forward, but those with other topics or questions are more than welcome to bring those to the meetup. Suggested topics are for collective discussion; please do not attend expecting definitive answers, solutions, or education around these subjects.

I will only be sharing one reminder prior to each meetup, so please plug these into your calendars if you are interested in attending! You can also find the reoccurring schedule posted on my LibGuide<https://slo.oregon.gov/CommunityEngagement/DEI_Resources>, and feel free to email me for reminders or with questions😊

February 2026 Virtual Meetups

All virtual meetup groups are for individuals employed, volunteering, or looking for work in Oregon libraries. Managers and supervisors are permitted to join but are asked to be cognizant of barriers to authentic participation for other attendees attributed to disproportionate power dynamics.

Affinity Groups:

What is an affinity group? Check out this New York State Library Affinity Groups Lib-Guide<https://nyslibrary.libguides.com/dei/affinity> for an affinity group definition and an overview of the benefits of attendance for both individuals and their employing organization.

While topics are not predetermined, discussions may include challenges, concerns, surprises, or shared experiences related to identity. Attending just to listen, provide support, or to be in community with others is absolutely welcome for individuals who hold a shared identity.  Confidentiality of attendees, conversations and information shared in affinity meetups is required.

Disability & Neurodivergence Affinity Meetup (First Tuesday of every month)
For people who identify as neurodivergent, have a disability, or hold intersecting identities falling into both these groups---to include those with diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or suspected conditions.
Tuesday, February 3, noon-1p | Meeting details and link<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/DisabilityNeurodivergenceAffinityMeetup>

2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Affinity Meetup (Third Tuesday of every month)
For 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.
Tuesday, February 17, noon-1p | Meeting details and link<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/_2SLGBTQIAAffinityMeetup>

BIPOC Virtual Affinity Meetup (Fourth Tuesday of every month)
For Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.
Tuesday, February 24, noon-1p | Meeting details and link<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/BIPOCAffinityMeetup>

DEI General Meetup:

The purpose of the DEI General meetup is to bring together Oregon library professionals currently engaged in, or looking to advance, efforts that promote diverse, equitable, and inclusive library spaces, collections, services, policies, and work culture at their organization or in the profession. This is a place to share challenges, barriers, successes, ideas, support and/or to simply get a pulse on DEI work being done across the state. Topics of each meetup to change based on-needs or current challenges, but other topics are welcome. Confidentiality of identifying information shared in general meetups is required unless permission is otherwise granted. Topics of conversation and general ideas stemming from discussion is permitted to leave the space.

DEI General Meetup (Second Wednesday of every month)
                For anyone engaged in diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging work in Oregon libraries looking to connect with others doing this work across the state.
                Wednesday,  February 11, 3:30-4:30p | Meetup Link<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81502980247?pwd=fpyomcb21US548fuDgTaavCoo6dlIt.1>
Suggested Topic: Community impact of enforcement activities

You can join us via computer (with or without video) or via phone:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81502980247?pwd=fpyomcb21US548fuDgTaavCoo6dlIt.1

One tap mobile
+16694449171,,81502980247# US
+16699006833,,81502980247# US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 815 0298 0247
Passcode: 598104

Best Regards,

Ericka Brunson-Rochette (she/her/hers)
Community Engagement 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
Check out my LibGuide<https://slo.oregon.gov/CommunityEngagement>!

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