2026 Engagement Programs

Peer Circles are small discussion groups comprised of 10-15 people across your peer group. Meeting those with similar professional backgrounds allows for meaningful connections and deeper engagement. 

Peer Circles are:

• Moderator led + Guest Speakers

• Virtual + some in-person meetings

• Meet 1+ time per month/1-2 hours

Sign-up: March 12-26

Program Start/End: June -December 2026

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Peer Circle Program. The sign-up window for this year has now closed. We look forward to welcoming you next year, so please look out for sign-up details in March 2027!

* Not all Peer Groups opt in to the Peer Circle Program. Certain Circles may include more than one peer group.

The Affinity Program is made up of various Affinity Groups based on shared social identities and backgrounds. They are open to all Peer Groups and are a great way to connect with members across industry roles. The program aims to build community among its participants and provides opportunities that celebrate the array of perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds across the Academy's membership. 

Details:

• There are 12 Affinity Groups that members can join at any time!

• You can belong to one or more than one group.

• It's also an enriching way to get more involved at the Academy.*

• Current groups include:

  • AAPI

  • Black

  • Disability/Accessibility/Neurodiverse

  • Indigenous/Native

  • Jewish

  • Latinidad

  • LGBTQIA+

  • Middle Eastern/Arabic/Muslim

  • Parents/Primary Caregivers

  • Veterans/Spouses of Veterans

  • Women

  • 65 Years+

• Affinity Groups meet about once a month with both virtual and in-person options - so those outside of Los Angeles can particiate.

• The Affinity Program focuses on four areas for its programming: Community, Career, Culture, and Change. Each group chooses how to interpret and enact initiatives and programming around these four pillars.

You can become a member of an Affinity Group anytime—sign up year-round through your Member Dashboard, under the Get Involved section.