BIPOC Educators Affinity Group

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) hosts its BIPOC Educators Affinity Group, a virtual gathering designed specifically for language educators who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. Meeting via Zoom, this affinity group provides a safe, confidential, and supportive space for BIPOC language educators to address the unique challenges they face in the profession, share valuable resources, and connect with peers who understand their experiences. The group's purpose extends beyond networking — it aims to tackle systemic inequities within the language education community by fostering belonging, promoting representation, building cultural sensitivity, supporting professional growth, and providing emotional support for educators who are often underrepresented in world language departments. ACTFL's affinity groups are open to both members and non-members, and educators who identify with multiple groups are welcome to join as many as they wish. This initiative is part of ACTFL's broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, guided by their DEI Committee which works to ensure that principles of access, anti-bias, diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism are woven into every aspect of the organisation's work.