Affinity groups are effective in creating workplace cultures that foster belonging, strengthen allyship, and develop emerging leaders. Organizations can offer structural support for these communities and gain these benefits. In the face of US legal and political challenges to DEIA initiatives, how can individuals and organizations create or maintain resilient communities? Our panel, from a range of organizations, will discuss their experience and examples of leading community groups to take active roles in advocacy, advance organizational goals, and develop career opportunities, and ways to define and track metrics for success. Using scenario modeling, the audience and panel will consider how affinity groups and communities within organizations can mitigate risks, provide support, advance organizational goals, such as increasing employee satisfaction and retention, or creating accessible and inclusive products.

To ensure diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs are successful, organizations must have strategies and procedures to measure progress toward goals. In line with the conference theme of intersecting value with values, this session aims to spotlight real-world examples of measuring progress toward DEIA goals, including notable successes and opportunities for improvement. Topics include an approach to assessing and improving employee experiences around the globe, demographic data collection and use, and efforts to analyze the success and impact of a pathway-building editorial fellowship program and uptake of DEIA journal policies. Attendees will gain insight into building measurable DEIA programs in their teams or organizations to ensure accountability and promote meaningful progress against stated DEIA values. Sponsored by the SSP DEIA Committee.