Affinity Groups

What is an Affinity Group?

An Affinity Group is a group of City employees linked by a common purpose, ideology, or interest. Affinity Groups play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed. They can provide a collective voice for staff with common interests.

Here are 6 ways Affinity Groups benefit the City:

1. Identity Acknowledgement 
2. Ensure Underrepresented Groups Have a Voice 
3. Increase Employee Engagement, Retention, and Productivity
4. Raise Cultural Awareness 
5. Promote Allyship
6. Build Community with Remote Employees

Refer to the Affinity Groups Guidance Document for additional details on who can participate or join, what time commitment is expected, and much more. 

Email Template:

For employees looking to join or start an Affinity Group - we've constructed an email template that you can use when notifying your supervisor of your participation in a group. The highlighted areas are items you'll need to complete yourself prior to sending to your supervisor. 

Affinity Groups Guidance Document:

Affinity groups are voluntary, employee-led groups that are organized around social identities, marginalized groups, and life experiences. The City of Madison supports our employees in participating in Affinity Groups that are in alignment with our City’s vision and values. This document provides structure and guidance for affinity groups to be equitable and successful. It includes information about who can participate, time commitments, creating a new affinity group, supervisor approval, and funding support.

Affinity Groups Guidance Document

Executive Sponsor Information:

Executive Sponsors help Employee Affinity Groups thrive. Here's a quick overview of what an Executive Sponsor is, what their role entails, and why having one is beneficial. 

Executive Sponsor Information 

Current City of Madison Affinity Groups:

BIPOC Care Team

Group Co-Leads:

• Arlyn Gonzalez (she/her) - Employee Assistance Program Manager, EAP
• Martha White (she/her) - Contract Compliance Specialist, Department of Civil Rights

Disability Resource Group

Group Co-Leads: 

• Rebecca Hoyt (she/her) - Disability Rights and Services Specialist, Department of Civil Rights
• Victoria Larson (she/her) - Occupational Accommodations Coordinator, Human Resources

LGBTQIA+ Social

Group Steering Committee Members:

• Carrie Gostomski (she/her) - Library Assistant, Madison Public Library
• Deborah Thompson (they/them) - Web Designer, Information Technology
• Dominic Davis (he/him) - Community Development Specialist, DPCED
• Garrett Tusler (he/him) - Community Development Specialist, Department of Planning, Community, & Economic Development (DPCED)
• John Vogt (he/him) - Community Development Specialist, DPCED
• Katarina Klafka (she/her) - Benefits Program Assistant, Human Resources

Multicultural Affairs Committee

Group Co-Leads:

• Emily Jamieson (she/her/hers) – Organizational Development Coordinator, Human Resources
• Nancy Saiz (she/her/ella) – Community Development Specialist, Community Development
• Rommel Tijerino (he/el) – Child Care Scholarship Coordinator, Community Development

Gender Equity Team

Other Affinity Group contacts to know:

• Kristy Kumar -  Equity and Social Justice Division Manager, Department of Civil Rights
• Anne Nowak - Organizational Development Manager, Human Resources

The City of Madison supports our employees in participating in Affinity Groups that are in alignment with our City’s Vision – Our Madison: Inclusive, Innovative, and Thriving and our Values: Equity, Civic-engagement, Well-being, Shared Prosperity, and Stewardship.