Employee resource groups (ERGs) connect employees socially and professionally based on shared interest. These voluntary, employee-led groups foster community connections within district. ERGs in Bellingham Public Schools improve connections through community, support and fun activities. Groups can be school/site specific or districtwide. 听听听
Outcomes associated with employee resource groups include:听听
- Increased feeling of belonging among staff which positively impacts school culture. 听
- Strengthened support systems for emotional, cultural and leadership needs to be our best for students each day. 听
- Advocacy and mentorship for staff and students with similar identities.听
- Groups could include wellness, culture and/or identity, learning, fun activities, outdoor activities.
For additional information or questions, please email your ERG advocate, Rue Davis, in human resources.
Active Employee Resource Groups
Staff of Color Coalition听
The staff of color ERG serves as an advocacy and support entity for staff of color working in Bellingham Public Schools.听 The Staff of Color ERG connects Black and Brown staff across the district by building relationships, creating socially supportive environments and actively participating in equity-based conversations. To join the group or to receive more information, please contact Haruna Allen.听 听
Jewish听Community听听
The Jewish Community ERG provides a space for Jewish colleagues to come together to strengthen our relationships and support one another in our work within our school communities.鈥疶o join the group or to receive more information, please contact Meredith Johnson.鈥听
Black Legacy
The Black community ERG brings together Black employees working in all departments and buildings in Bellingham Public Schools to build relationships, support one another鈥檚 learning and leadership, and to advocate for equity and inclusion in hiring, workplace development, and student learning resources.听听
Black Legacy will be working to establish a mentoring program for Black scholars.听听
To join the group or to receive more information, please contact Lorrie Melton.
Latinx Connection
Working closely with our family engagement office, the Latinx Community ERG provides space and connection for people with Latinx identities. The LCC provides strong networking and support to benefit both employees and students. To join the group or to receive more information, please contact Nelly Schonborn.
LGBTQ+ Employees Alliance听
The LGBTQ+ Employees Alliance provides space for LGBTQ+ identified staff to build relationships with each other, create socially supportive environments, share experiences, and actively participate in intersectional, equity-based conversations.鈥疶o join the group or to receive more information, please contact Bethany Barrett.鈥听
Multiracial Employees Coalition听
The Multiracial Employees group provides opportunities for multiracial staff and faculty (those who identify as more than one race) to engage in critical dialogue and build community with each other in the Bellingham School District. This affinity group also strives to create a safe space for multiracial staff and faculty to process experiences they have in the workplace. To join the group or to receive more information, please contact Amanda Korthuis.
Learn More 一本道app Employee Resource Groups
If you are interested in learning more about employee resource groups, please email your ERG advocate, Rue Davis, in human resources.
Form a New Group! ERG Start Up Form听
If you are a current BPS employee interested in creating a new employee resource group, .