2025 Engagement Programs

Peer Circles are discussion groups comprised of small groups of 10-15 people across roles and backgrounds to make meaningful connections and deepen engagement. They are:

• Moderator led + Guest Speakers

• Virtual + some in-person meetings

• Meet 1+ time per month/1-2 hours

• Members are from one or more Peer Groups  

Sign-up: May 8-23

Program Start/End: July -December 2025

Thank you for your interest in the 2025 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 2026!

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 Affinity Program aims to build community among its participants and provide connection-forming opportunities that celebrate the array of perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds across the Academy's membership. 

Details:

•  There are 12 Affinity Groups available for members to join. Members can join one or more than one group at any time. It provides a great way to get more involved at the Academy.*

• Current groups include:

  • 65 Years+

  • AAPI

  • Black

  • Disability/Accessibility/Neurodiverse

  • Indigenous/Native

  • Jewish

  • Latinidad

  • LGBTQIA+

  • Middle Eastern/Arabic/Muslim

  • Parents/Primary Caregivers

  • Veterans/Spouses of Veterans

  • Women

• Each Affinity Group is managed by 1-2 Leads. 

• Affinity Groups meet about once a month with both virtual and in-person options.

• 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 sign up and join an Affinity Group anytime—it's available year-round through your Member Dashboard, under the Get Involved section.