Employee Communities (ECs)
What are Employee Communities?
Employee Communities (ECs) are voluntary, employee-led groups of employees that share common interests, identities, backgrounds, and pursuits. ECs contribute to the development, both personal and professional, of its members, fostering inclusion and belonging and facilitating a collaboratively-built support network. ECs allow employees who may otherwise not regularly engage with one another to find time and space to meaningfully connect with one another.
Benefits of Employee Communities
ECs are very similar to clubs and organizations in function. They provide an opportunity to connect, learn, and build relationships and skills in a friendlier, low-pressure environment. There are three ways Employee Communities at Vassar do this:
Promote Belonging
Foster a sense of connection and belonging for all members by creating a space where centered identities, similar experiences, and common interests are celebrated.
This can look like the creation of Employee Communities around:
- Hiking
- Knitting
- Parental/caretaker experiences
- Personal or social identities
- and more!
Support Professional and Personal Growth
Provide opportunities for members to develop personally and professionally through networking, mentorship, and skill-building initiatives.
This can look like Employee Communities around:
- New hires
- Shared skills
- Career Stages
- and more!
Cultivate Collaboration and Community
Facilitate meaningful engagement and collaboration among employees from many backgrounds and departments, helping to bridge gaps and build a stronger, more cohesive workforce.
This can look like Employee Communities around:
- Community engagement
- Sustainability
- Cultural Appreciation
- ... And more!
Who can join an EC? Who is this for?
Employee communities are for all employees, with the exception of student employees. Student employees are encouraged to join or create a student club or organization at Vassar. Membership and participation in all ECs are open to all staff, faculty, and administrators, whether or not they share the characteristics in the EC. Members who are allies should, however, be willing to center the voices and needs of the EC members who do share the characteristics of the focus of the group.
How do I join or create an EC?
Joining a community is easy, and creating an EC is a simple process. Click the button below to learn more.
Questions?
Contact Fresia Martinez Olivera, Associate Director of Organizational Development and Employment Equity, for any EC-related questions or concerns.