OEA Affinity Spaces
An affinity group provides a “safe brave space” in which its members can explore issues of shared identity and experience and affirm their emotional and intellectual responses to being part of a distinct sub-set of the community. Here are some of our affinity spaces and we're often adding new ones.
SPED Connect
This spring, OEA is piloting an affinity space for special education professionals. This group is aimed at fostering connection, unity, and support among Special Educators throughout our state. Participants can expect engaging discussions about best practices, collaborative activities to explore and solve issues within our scope (parent partnership, documentation, advocacy, policy, administrative constraints, etc.), and the opportunity to attain valuable insights and strategies from fellow educators. Whether you're a seasoned or new Special Education professional, this opportunity offers a space to connect, grow, and thrive together.
BIPOC Affinity Spaces
Are you an OEA member who is also a Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC)? Are you wanting to explore all the many ways OEA is providing BIPOC affinity engagement that help our BIPOC members to find support, leadership, learning, networking, community, advocacy, inclusion, empowerment, adventure, healing and growth? Connect with us to learn more about OEA's Equity SPARKS program, and more.
Learn More: BIPOC Affinity Spaces
New Educators of Oregon (NEON)
Are you new to the profession? Looking for communal support with fellow new educators? The New Educators of Oregon Network (NEON) is a two-year program designed by and for Early Career Educators in their first five years of the profession with an emphasis on those in their first three years.
Past cohorts have focused on self-care, equity conversations, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, accessing union support, high quality communication skills, access to high quality professional learning including PDUs and Graduate credits through OEA book studies and other opportunities. The NEON cohort has 3-4 convenings each academic year. Apply for the cohort now! Cohorts are finalized in September of each year.
