Summer Institute for Alumni Relations Pre-Institute Sessions-If You Build It, Will They Come

If You Build It, Will They Come - Affinity_FINAL

Pdf Summary

This document is a summary of a session on building affinity groups for alumni engagement. The session covers the definition of affinity groups, why alumni offices should consider them, best practices for getting started, and the importance of surveys and data in creating successful affinity groups. The document also provides a timeline of Bowdoin College's context and suggests steps for planning success, including defining support, group support, identifying volunteers, and ensuring long-term success. It emphasizes the need to understand the unique makeup and experiences of an institution, and provides examples of affinity groups that can be created, such as those based on race and ethnicity, student activities, LGBTQIA+ identity, and military service. The document concludes by encouraging continuous building and creativity in affinity group programming, as well as reminding readers to keep diverse perspectives in mind and be open to new ideas.

Keywords

affinity groups

alumni engagement

best practices

surveys

data

Bowdoin College

planning success

race and ethnicity

LGBTQIA+ identity

military service