John Carroll University’s Staff Council envisions a University community that is supportive to all staff in their journey of self, professional, and socio-cultural identity development. It is with this in mind that Staff Council enthusiastically is establishing Employee Resource Groups: ERGs.
What is an ERG?
Employee Resource Groups (also sometimes called “affinity groups” or “employee communities”) are voluntary groups sponsored by an employer and organized around specific socio-cultural identities. Many companies and institutions have ERG’s for their staff members. ERG’s provide an opportunity for employees to build social connections, give and receive mentorship, increase professional and leadership development, and to engage in networking and self-advocacy. They also provide an opportunity for employers to engage in a focused way with employees in particular identity groups. ERG’s typically hold meetings, sponsor events, and provide a safe space to discuss issues unique to particular communities.
Below you will find short descriptions of each ERG, their co-facilitators, and their first meeting date, time, and location for the fall semester. Please directly contact co-facilitators or Angela Krueger (akrueger@jcu.edu) for more information.Through a collaborative spirit and guided by the University Strategic Plan, ERGs at JCU will support and build community through networking and professional development opportunities offered to staff across campus. ERGs will provide a space where staff from historically underrepresented populations and generational groups can find community and support.
Women of Color provides staff (and faculty) who identify as women of color a site to build community with one another as well as foster support networks and mentoring relationships, educate the broader campus community on issues relevant to women of color on campus and beyond, aid in the recruitment and retention of new women of color staff members, and better advocate for the needs of women of color staff members. This ERG is led by Selen Zarrelli (azarrelli@jcu.edu).
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The Q@JCU ERG aims to nurture a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning (LGBTQ+) and ally staff at JCU. Q@JCU envisions a university community that is supportive to all people in their journey of self-exploration of identity. This ERG aims to be a group of staff of all backgrounds who are interested in promoting equality for the LGBTQ+ members of the campus community and informed dialogue about LGBTQ+ issues at JCU. Q@JCU ERG is led by Vanessa Dunne (vdunne@jcu.edu)
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The Staff of Color ERG aims to ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for racially diverse staff at JCU. The Staff of Color ERG envisions a university community that is inclusive and supportive of all people. To achieve this vision, the Staff of Color ERG will gather and support people from minoritized racial identities. The Staff of Color ERG will organically evolve to meet the needs of women and men of color in this community. This ERG aims to be a network of staff of color who are interested in creating community, and advocating for equity and inclusion for staff of color at JCU. The Staff of Color ERG is currently working on identifying a new facilitator. Stay tuned for updates!
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The Working Parent & Guardian Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a community of JCU employees who are supporting children from newborns to young adulthood. This group shares resources, experiences and information, and are a voice of support for each other. They work to create awareness and support that enables members to be good parents, guardians, and JCU staff members. The Working Parent & Guardian ERG is led by Brendan Dolan (bdolan@jcu.edu) and Selen Zarrelli (azarrelli@jcu.edu).
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The Generation X (Gen X) ERG provides a networking opportunity for JCU community members who share a similar social identity, while striving to achieve a more fulfilling work-life balance, in a supportive group environment. The Gen X ERG is co-led by Deputy Chief Ross Carbone (rcarbone@jcu.edu) and Corporal Brent W. Russ (bruss@jcu.edu) from the JCU Police Department.
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The Baby Boomers (Boomers) ERG provides a networking opportunity for JCU community members who share a similar social identity, while striving to achieve a more fulfilling work-life balance, in a supportive group environment. The Boomers ERG is currently working on identifying a new facilitator. Stay tuned for updates!
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The Millennials ERG connects members of the JCU community through personal and professional development opportunities that allow millennial staff to explore their professional talents, strengths, and identity. The Millennials ERG strives to create an engaged, empowered, and fulfilled community of professionals in the millennial generation working at JCU. This ERG exists to support staff who identify as millennials as they navigate their professional careers. Recognizing that individuals in this group are in different places in their careers, this ERG aims to create various opportunities to respond to the diverse needs of this generational group. The Millennials ERG is currently working on identifying a new facilitator. Stay tuned for updates!
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Click here to connect with JCU Staff Council and provide your feedback.