Co-Curriculars

What is an affinity group?

It is an intentional community space that gathers in dialogue around a specific identity. This identity can be based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, language, nationality, physical/mental ability, socioeconomic class, family structure, religion, etc. Although members of the group may share a common identity, it does not mean that everyone in that group has had the same experiences. Rather, participants recognize that their identity affects how they move through the world. 

The Affinity Program strengthens the entire community by providing additional opportunities to find support, connection, and a voice at our school. All students are welcome to join the Affinity Program.

Student Affinity Program in the Lower School

At the Lower School, there are two student affinity groups, the Students of Color Society (SOCS) and the Student Network of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (SNAPs). Participation is voluntary, and each affinity group meets weekly after school, facilitated by a team of committed educators. The goals are to teach about and celebrate diverse cultures, nurture students’ self-esteem, foster positive relationships, and find support in shared experiences. By empowering students and promoting self-love and cultural pride, SOCS and SNAPs seek to strengthen the larger Riverdale community, one child at a time.

Student Affinity & Alliance Program in the Middle School

Students have the choice and opportunity to sign up for the affinity and alliance program as an opportunity to foster community and help them explore their own culture and become more empathetic leaders at Riverdale and in the broader community. There are multiple Affinity & Alliance groups in the middle school, each facilitated by faculty members. These groups are optional and meet during the school day. All MS groups come together multiple times during the school year for whole group affinity and have a social with their US affinity group counterpart.

Student Affinity & Alliance Program in the Upper School

The overarching vision for our US affinity and alliance program is to provide a consistent community space for all student participants to use their individual voices to bring about affirmation, fellowship, connection, and empowerment. There are multiple US Affinity & Alliance groups each led by student leaders with faculty support. These groups are optional and meet during the school day. All US groups come together multiple times during the school year for whole group affinity, where student leaders are given the opportunity to design and lead an experience for the entire program.