Affinity Group Sessions at AHSIE are designed to provide space for attendees to build meaningful connections with others who share similar identities, interests, backgrounds, or lived experiences.

This year, we are excited to open the opportunity for attendees to propose and host their own Affinity Group Sessions. These informal, participant-driven gatherings are intended to foster dialogue, networking, and a strong sense of belonging within our community.

Each accepted Affinity Group will be provided:

• A 60-minute breakout room during the conference program with standard audio/visual equipment to use during the designated Affinity Group time in the conference program
• Basic, optional use, facilitation guidance
• Promotion in the conference app and website

We welcome submissions that reflect the diversity of our conference community, including but not limited to:

• Shared identity (e.g., Latinx educators, LGBTQIA+ attendees, first-gen professionals)
• Professional interests (e.g., early-career researchers, grant writers, faculty leading HSI initiatives)
• Regional or institutional connections (e.g., attendees from the Pacific Northwest, Tribal Colleges and Universities)
• Language or cultural background (e.g., Spanish-speaking attendees, AfroLatine educators)

Please note:

• Affinity Groups are not formal presentations or panels.
• These gatherings are participant-led and designed to be welcoming and inclusive.
• Multiple submissions on similar topics may be combined or asked to collaborate. This would be determined during the review process, as denoted below.

All submissions will go through a review process by the Conference Planning Committee. Should your proposed Affinity Group be accepted, you will be alerted and sent further information. Submissions with identified facilitators will be given priority.

The submission form is open from Wednesday, September 3, to Friday, October 31, 2025.