Affinity Groups

Affinity group refers to the bringing together of people who have something important in common, e.g. gender, race, culture, profession, college, or special interests. The goals of our affinity groups are to foster kinship; to provide students and adults a place to celebrate their uniqueness, gifts and important role in our school community; and to affirm, protect and nurture the identities of the group.

Lower School Affinity Groups

Young Children of Color (YCC) is an affinity group and mentoring program for students of color in grades K-5. The goals of our affinity groups are to foster kinship, provide students of color a place to celebrate their uniqueness, gifts and important role in our school community, and to affirm, protect and nurture the racial and cultural identities of the group. In the Lower School all students of color are invited to participate in the program and they decide with their parents or guardians whether to participate.

12 Tribes of Trinity are 3rd-5th grade groups of students who learn to build community, internalize and reinforce the Honor Code.

Middle School Affinity Groups

Young People of Color (YPC) is an affinity group for Middle School students who self identify as students of color at Trinity. YPC is designed to provide cultural awareness and affirmation, educational preparation for high school, motivation, and social refinement, while enhancing and enriching the lives of young students of color in a safe space at TES. During the year the group meets weekly to discuss a variety of topics, including: cultural sensitivity, academic success, and socio-political issues.

Young People for Social Justice (YPSJ) is an affinity group at Trinity Episcopal School (TES) for students who self identify as white. Following the words of Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," these groups are intended to provide primarily white students a setting to discuss the unearned privilege that is associated with historical and current practices that promote injustice and inequality. The groups work to identify the way in which privilege impacts the daily lives of students at TES, the community of Charlotte, and the world at large. These groups explore ways to impact these societal patterns of injustice as well as identify actions that they can take as allies.

Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is an affinity group that provides an opportunity for middle school students to gather to discuss issues and plan activities related to diversity, inclusive of any number of topics dealing with human rights. There is a  focus on topics inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual, questioning and transgender issues. The goal of the GSA is to create a safer environment for all students and create an open dialogue around the idea of human rights and what that looks like for everyone at Trinity and beyond.