Affinity groups are intended to bring people together over a commonality and share the mutual benefits of our shared identities. Affinity groups strive to form safe and brave spaces that offer support, healing and connection.

The OPC is committed to fostering structures that value and affirm the lived experiences of our Members, especially those who have been traditionally marginalized or underserved by the systems in which they operate. As part of that commitment, we would like to honour the Member voices who have recommended the creation of OPC Affinity Group spaces, to allow Members who share particular identity traits to come together and create a supportive community. 

Our affinity groups are designated "safe spaces," where everyone in that group shares a particular identity. For people who are often underrepresented, underserved and often excluded by the systems in which they operate, an affinity space can offer community and reduce feelings of isolation through the benefit of shared experiences. For more information, consider reading Making Space or Affinity Groups FAQ. 

In the fall of 2021, members of the OPC EDI Advisory Committee and sub-committees met to discuss the formation of potential affinity groups. These groups created a survey that went out to OPC Members through the President's Message. Those initial responses have created the guidelines for the initial groupings. Groups would be hosted by volunteer OPC Members with support from OPC staff only as needed. 

Please return to this page for more information regarding joining one of the groups.

Upcoming Meetings

  • 2SLGBTQQIA+ Administrators – Monday, November 18 from 4:00–5:00 p.m. EST (online)
  • NeuroRealMe for Neurodivergent Leaders – Friday, November 22 from 4:00–5:00 p.m. EST (online)
  • Muslim Administrators – Tuesday, November 26 (time and location TBD)
  • Black Administrators – Wednesday, November 27 from 4:00–5:00 p.m. EST (online)
  • Persian Administrators – Wednesday, November 27 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. EST (online)
  • Jewish Administrators – Wednesday, November 27 from 7:30–8:30 p.m. EST (online)
  • South Asian Administrators Group – Tuesday, December 10 from 4:30–5:30 p.m. EST (online)
  • East Asian Administrators – Wednesday, January 22 from 3:45–4:45 p.m. EST (online)

OPC Affinity Groups for Members

  • Administrators with Disabilities
  • Black Administrators
  • East Asian Administrators
  • First Nation, Métis and Inuit Administrators
  • Indo-Caribbean Administrators
  • Jewish Administrators
  • Muslim Administrators
  • NeuroRealMe for Neurodivergent Leaders
  • Persian Administrators
  • South Asian Administrators Group
  • 2SLGBTQQIA+ Administrators

To access further details and contact information regarding our Affinity Groups for Members, you must be logged in to the OPC website.