Affinity Spaces

ISEA provides identity-based closed affinity spaces centering the experiences of our First Gen, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ student populations at Clark. Each space meets bi-weekly (every other week) in the McCann Resource Room in Dana Commons.

Each space is facilitated by staff and students and provides a space that centers individuals within that identity or as the description specifies. Affinity spaces are open to all students. Current dates and times can be found on our Instagram page.

Sisters in Stride (SIS) and Men of Color Alliance (MOCA) (formerly FOCUS)

These programs are meant to be an empowering, supportive space centering woman-identifying or man-identifying students of color, respectively. Each affinity space is focused on cultivating community among our BIPOC students and reflecting on the experiences of our students’ intersectional identities. Each session is co-facilitated by students and Clark staff.

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1GEN (First-Gen Students)

1GEN is an affinity space that is focused on supporting the needs of first-generation college students and *1.5-generation college students. This space is dedicated to bringing first-generation college students together around shared lived experiences and identities in order to network, build community, and share resources.

At Clark, a first-generation college student is defined as an individual whose parent(s)/guardian(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree. This does not include siblings.

*1.5-generation college students are individuals who navigate college like many other first-generation college students due to self-identifying as not having prior exposure to or knowledge of navigating higher institution.

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Queer & Trans Students of Color (QTSOC)

This group provides an affinity space centering BIPOC students who are LGBTQIA+ or are questioning their gender and sexuality. We will engage in conversations around intersections of identity, support one another, and build community; each session is co-facilitated by students and staff.

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Trans and Gender Diverse Support and Discussion Group

The Trans and Gender Diverse Support and Discussion Group provides an affinity space for those who are trans (binary or non-binary), gender diverse, and/or navigating or questioning aspects of their gender. Each session is co-facilitated by students and staff in seeking to provide access to a trans-inclusive community at Clark.

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Latines Out Loud (LOL)

This group provides an affinity space for Latin-American individuals to share and explore their identities at Clark; this group is entirely student-facilitated and supported by the ISEA Office.