Affinity Group Facilitator Institute (Summer) | August 3, 2026

A full-day professional learning session for educators and leaders supporting affinity groups. Participants will learn a four-pillar facilitation framework, examine what makes affinity spaces effective, and connect with peers through targeted breakout sessions designed for new facilitators, experienced leaders, and institutional supporters.
Many organizations utilize affinity groups to support members of the community, to increase sense of belonging for members of historically marginalized groups, and to improve overall inclusivity.  And yet, many of us find ourselves facilitating these groups simply because we are one of the few in the community who identify as members of these groups or because we hold a desire to support DEI efforts.  Facilitating identity affirming and protective spaces is simply not something we have been trained to do, and so many of us are hungry for this learning.

This full day session accomplishes several goals:
  1. Learn a four-pillar framework for facilitating affinity groups that can leverage these spaces and build strong communities.
  2. Discover factors that lead to greater (or less) success and examine our current programs for effectiveness.
  3. Connect with other affinity leaders from other schools, within and across identity groups
  4. Engage in targeted break-out spaces to meet the needs of specific groups:
  • Leaders who want to provide Institutional support support for affinity groups
  • Educators new to holding space and need basic facilitation tools
  • Facilitators who want to access and develop group-specific topics, resources, and strategies.

This institute supports facilitators in organizations that have existing affinity groups and is not intended for organizations that are trying to start affinity groups.

When: 
Monday, August 3, 2026, 9am-4pm (morning treats & lunch included) - This program precedes the SGS multi-day Cultural Competency Lab (August 4-7)

OR

Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9am-4pm (morning treats & lunch included) 

Where: Seattle Girls’ School, 1700 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144

Registration and Cost:
  1. Each individual participant must complete this registration form.
  2. Schools can submit payment for all participants using the following link:
Early bird registration for the Summer institute is before June 15
Early bird registration for the Fall institute is before September
  • Individual registration: $250
  • School teams of 5: $1100
  • School teams greater than 5: $1100 + $200/person above 5 
Registration for the Summer institute after June 15
Registration for the Fall institute after September 1
  • Individual registration: $300
  • School teams of 5: $1400
  • School teams greater than 5: $1400 + $275/person above 5

Travel and Accommodations:
SGS is located in the Central District of Seattle. 
Public Transit:
We are accessible by Metro Bus lines 48, 4, 8, 7, and 106, and we are located 1 mile from the Mt. Baker Light Rail station.
Flying to Seattle: 
The closest airport is the Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA).
Recommended Accommodations: 
Silver Cloud Hotel - Seattle Broadway.  Click here before June 25 for 10% off Best Rate discount.
If coming with a large school group, consider a house rental in the Central District or a nearby neighborhood (Mt. Baker, Madrona, Leschi, North Beacon Hill).

Refund Policy:
Please notify the Program Coordinator at programs@sgs-wa.org if you need to cancel your registration. 
  • For the Summer institute, cancellation on or before June 15 will be fully refunded minus a $20 administrative fee per participant. Cancellation June 15 - July 15 will result in a 50% refund. Cancellation after July 15 will be non-refundable.
  • For the Fall institute, cancellation on or before September 1 will be fully refunded minus a $20 administrative fee per participant. Cancellation September 1 - 20 will result in a 50% refund. Cancellation after September 20 will be non-refundable.
Back

Seattle Girls' School

Located in the Central District, Seattle Girls' School is an independent school for girls and gender expansive students in grades 5-8. Our mission is to inspire and develop courageous leaders who think independently, work collaboratively, learn joyfully, and champion change.
©2021 Seattle Girls’ School • All rights reserved.