The Impact of Upper School Affinity Groups at MFS
Kat Johnson
For my Capstone Project, I studied and analyzed the impact and benefits the newly implemented (Fall 2019) Affinity Groups have at Moorestown Friends School. To provide streamlined access to resources about Affinity Groups, I have developed a website that provides an organized, visual representation of the progression of the Affinity Groups. This was created from my research, discussion with individuals associated with Diversity and Affinity Groups, observation of the Affinity Groups at MFS, publication of a survey, then interpretation of the responses. From these responses I was able to gauge the impact of the Groups, and study what helped the MFS student population in these diverse Groups feel a stronger sense of belonging and acceptance. Please, check out my website here (especially the FAQ page for any questions)!
video.movThrough my own participation in Affinity Groups, research and observation, personal experiences at Diversity Conferences, interviews with individuals associated with diversity and these Groups, creation of a survey for the MFS community then interpretation of the responses, and knowing of the need for a space dedicated to equity and comfort, I was able to complete this Project while representing the ideologies of love and care behind Affinity Groups.
Here are some of my personal favorite takeaways from this Project and my experience with Affinity Groups:
Relating to and interacting with those like oneself can create a feeling of empathy, thus influencing and causing a sense of comfort and belonging to be extended to the larger community. Through this outlet I am fortunate to channel my passion for diversity and mutual acceptance, and thus appreciate this created synergy.
Having a space where one is accepted and can speak to their own experiences is an uncommon opportunity to be relished; the Affinity Groups at MFS offer this space, dedicated to students’ unique identities. Though many people feel that Affinity Groups can segregate people, studies show that they actually do the opposite by allowing people to recognize and rely on others who share similar backgrounds and experiences. Being able to relate to and interact with those like oneself can create a feeling of positive empathy, which is precious.
From this experience I appreciate what it means to belong to a diverse community, as well as what it means to be diverse in a community, and this is powerful. I am fortunate to have Affinity Groups where I can explore part of my identity alongside others similar to myself, curious and determined to further make our own place in the world.
If I were to do this same Project again, I would want to produce a survey and send it out at the beginning as well as at the end of the school year to see how the overall interest level and feelings towards Affinity Groups evolved. Of the students I did survey (please see the percentages of students in each grade who responded to my survery), most had positive feedback!
Also, I would take pictures while in the moment. Due to COVID-19, I was unfortunately unable to take real life pictures, but I can still relay that the experience was not any less valuable!
Regarding my Project, something I wonder about is how the career of these Affinity Groups will be carried on as our society and community become more productive and accepting. This adventure is one I hope to keep up with in the upcoming years especially, and I have a strong feeling that our community will grow to appreciate even more. Circumstances regarding COVID and the shifting of in-person to virtual learning I feel allowed for a huge growing opportunity for Affinity Groups, as a similar strong feeling of acceptance and belonging can be found still, representing how beneficial it is to have a space that increases the sense of solidarity and support.
Hello, and thank you for checking out my Capstone Project!
My name is Kat Johnson and I was very excited to take the inititive and work on this Project. As a biracial female, I have been raised to appreciate diversity and have confidence in myself. In coming to MFS, that sense of appreciation and self confidence has only grown by utilizing all of the great things offered here, such as Diversity Committee, Feminism English classes, Ethics courses, and various clubs. It is amazing to me how MFS provides an accepting and inclusive community composed of both faculty and students, and as I expected, the new Affinity Groups already have begun to expand and enhance that sense of encouragement, empowerment and comfort in our community. As the facilitator of the Multi-Racial Affinity Group, it has been my goal to pass on and encourage my peers to search for this unique experience and feeling of how necessary it is to be able to feel included, represented, respected, and most importantly, accepted. I know I am already using my refreshed leadership skills, and am excited to see where my passion for Diversity and Inclusion will take me!
My advice to those considering doing a Capstone Project: Do it! You never know what you might discover about yourself, and you build on your skills of hard work, determination, networking, and so many more. This was a fun Project for me, and hopefully you have the same positive experience.
