The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) announced the official launch of Affinity Groups during the 2025 ACCP Annual Meeting last October, marking a significant milestone in the College’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across its membership.
What Are Affinity Groups?
Affinity Groups are designed to bring together members who share social identity frameworks, creating spaces for connection and support beyond professional practice areas. Unlike Practice and Research Networks (PRNs), which focus on clinical and research interests, Affinity Groups center on personal and social identities, offering members opportunities for meaningful dialogue, shared experiences, and community building.
Exciting News: The First 2 Official Affinity Groups Are Here!
ACCP is thrilled to announce the formation and approval of its first 2 official Affinity Groups:
- Black Diaspora Affinity Group
- Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Affinity Group
These inaugural groups represent an important step forward in building identity‑based communities that support members, amplify lived experiences, and cultivate meaningful connection across the ACCP membership.
Members who share one of these identities and wish to join—or members interested in applying to establish a new Affinity Group—may do so at www.accp.com/affinity/.
Why Affinity Groups?
Originally introduced in 2022 by the Member Relations Committee and developed through the DEIA Committee, the Affinity Group initiative emerged in response to member feedback and a shared desire for identity‑based spaces within ACCP. These groups aim to:
- Promote inclusivity and belonging
- Provide resources and support for underrepresented identities
- Encourage open dialogue on shared experiences and challenges
Application Process
Members may organically form identity‑based communities, but formal recognition by ACCP grants additional support, including staff facilitation, access to ACCP’s community platform, and potential meeting space at the Annual Meeting.
Applications require:
- A proposed group name reflecting the shared identity
- A set of goals and planned activities
- At least 15 interested members
Applications undergo review by the DEIA Committee and are forwarded to the Board of Regents for approval, consistent with the process used for new PRNs.
Core Values and Commitment
Affinity Groups are grounded in ACCP’s core values, including its commitment to embrace diversity and inclusion and uphold integrity, honesty, reliability, and accountability. These values guide organizational decision‑making and ensure that initiatives like Affinity Groups remove barriers and strengthen belonging across the College.
Get Involved
Whether you identify with one of the newly established groups or wish to bring forward a new Affinity Group proposal, ACCP welcomes your participation. Learn more or apply at www.accp.com/affinity/, or email [email protected] for additional information.