Affinity Groups
Alumni Involvement Council (established 2005)
AIC's purpose is to drive UCAN's cutting edge goal of becoming a more youth-involved, youth-informed, youth-led agency. "I believe my Affinity Group will be able to further enlighten others in UCAN of varied view points and provide a better cultural understanding of those whose voices may not be heard as loudly and clearly as others."
Black Men 360 (2005)
Black Men 360's purpose is to raise awareness of pertinent issues, create access to growth opportunities for African-American men and boys within the UCAN enterprise, and actively support the emotional, physical, spiritual, psychological and financial well-being of participants through training and educational awareness. They also strive to create leadership and succession planning, and to maximize marketing efforts in the African-American community at large. "Our group provides young black boys and men at the agency tools on how to move past cultural barriers."
Health & Wellness (2011)
The Health and Wellness affinity group has just been launched to coincide with our agency-wide initiative to stay healthy! The goals of this affinity group include coordinating activities and providing information to staff regarding how to meet the UCAN Wellness Program requirements; providing education and outreach on issues surrounding health, nutrition, exercise, stress management and general wellness; and coordinating athletic team/tournament/league participation.
La Voz (2008)
La Voz is committed to building and maintaining a positive work environment that supports the growth and development of Latino employees and clients. "Our vision is to serve as a bridge between the organization and the growing internal and external Latino community."
La Voz esta comprometida en construir y mantener un ambiente de trabajo positivo que ayuda en el crecimiento y desarrollo de empleados y clientes Latinos. "Nuestra visión es servir como un puente entre la organización y la comunidad creciente Latina interna y externa."
LGBT & Allies Network (2006)
LGBT & Allies Network is a group of employees who come together to ensure a supportive, inclusive and open environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning clients and employees. "There is potential to do so much for clients and for our members. If done correctly, the affinity group could be a powerful advocate for LGBT clients and workers. On a personal level, it encourages me to be comfortable with myself and who I am."
Spiritual Formation (2011)
The Spiritual Formation affinity group has just been launched. Its purpose is to provide interested staff with support and the voice to influence agency goals and objectives.
WOM&N (2008)
The purpose of WOM&N (Women, Organizing, Mentoring & Nurturing) is to take a mentor-teach-nurture approach that will include mentoring other women, teaching the agency and nurturing ourselves. "I think the women of UCAN will now have a forum that makes them feel more valued, so that they can contribute in a bigger way to the success of the agency, its staff, and its clients."
