Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

ERG Program Goals  |  How ERGs Work  |  Current ERGs  |  Starting a New ERG

Goals of Employee Resource Groups

At Swarthmore, we value the diverse perspectives that make up our College community. Employee Resource Groups (ERG) are voluntary groups of individuals formed around shared experiences, backgrounds, or identities. ERGs provide opportunities for Swarthmore staff and faculty members on campus to gather and build community with other around their shared interests and experiences. They offer interested faculty and staff members the chance to strengthen our College community through dialogue, education, professional development, and fun. They also help Swarthmore’s leadership learn about and respond to the needs and interests of our community members.

Every ERG is driven by the core values of commitment, respect, diversity, and honest communication. ERGs are designed to:

  • Foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment consistent with the mission of Swarthmore College.
  • Enhance the engagement, productivity, job satisfaction, and sense of belonging of our community members.
  • Nurture informal mentorship relationships among members.
  • Provide avenues through which Swarthmore faculty and staff can voice shared recommendations to College leadership.
  • Provide a social space for Swarthmore faculty and staff to connect and network.

To learn more about the current groups, explore this page or contact the Equal Opportunity Officer at eoo@swarthmore.edu.

How ERGs work

ERGs can be built around a range of professional and personal interests and affiliations and. Although every ERG is guided by its membership in terms of activities, all ERGS

  • Are open to any faculty or staff member who wishes to participate
  • Are guided by The program’s core values of commitment, respect, diversity, and honest communication
  • Meet at least twice per semester
  • Have at least one identified Coordinator who serves as both the liaison to the Equal Opportunity Officer and budget manager for the group

ERGs will receive support and funding from the Office of Equal Opportunity to help them meet their goals. 

Current ERGs​

Women of Color at Swarthmore
Contact: womenofcolor@swarthmore.edu

The Woman of Color (WoC) Employee Resource Group aspires to center the experiences of its members at Swarthmore College through increased visibility, fellowship, and advocacy.

Men of Color at Swarthmore
Contact: menofcolor@swarthmore.edu

The mission of the ERG for the Men of Color is to create a space for fellowship and collegial support. In the spirit of mentorship and collaboration, the Men of Color ERG will meet regularly to discuss ways to engage the community around diversity and strive to be an organization that serves as a resource for its members across campus.

LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning) at Swarthmore
Join the ERG

The mission and goals of the LGBTQ+ ERG is to further engage colleagues on ways to help build upon the resources being offered, to create fellowship, and to enhance the overall support and network available to ensure the LGBTQ+ experience is an integral part of the Swarthmore College community.

New Employees 

Contact: newemployeegroup@swarthmore.edu

The mission of the New Employee ERG is to create a forum for employees who have less than two years with the College to share information, experiences and support a successful transition to their new positions.

Working Parents at Swarthmore
Contact: workingparents@swarthmore.edu

The goal of the Swarthmore Working Parents Employee Resource group is to build a social and professional network and serve as a resource to lift up available resources and parent needs at Swarthmore College.

Veterans at Swarthmore
Contact: veterans@swarthmore.edu

The mission of the ERG for Veterans is to create a space of comradeship and support for veterans of all branches of the armed forces. The Veterans ERG will strive to share their experiences and knowledge with the community at large and recognize military commemorations and other programs.

How can I start an ERG that doesn't already exist?

If you are interested in starting a new ERG, you are welcome to reach out to the Equal Opportunity Officer within the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to discuss your vision for the new group at eoo@swarthmore.edu.