How to Start an Employee Resource Group (ERG)

Thank you for your interest in seeking official recognition of an employee resource group from the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity (SA+CD). The employee resource groups operate under the guidance of the Office of Employee Engagement with the goal of connecting SDSU faculty and staff with individuals who share common interests or backgrounds. 

ERG’s are designed to build an inclusive environment for SDSU employees from various employment groups, with particular attention to employees from historically underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. Examples of ERGs on other campuses include the Latinx Faculty Staff Association; the Black/African American Faculty Staff Association; The Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty Staff Association; The Pride Faculty Staff Association; The First Generation College Student Faculty and Staff Association, among others. ERG’s serve to advance the university’s diversity and inclusion agenda through SDSU diversity and inclusion goals.

ERG’s are established and operated by employees with modest support from the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity. To receive support, all ERG’s must have:

• Been registered and operated as an Affinity Group* for a minimum of six (6) months
• At least 3 officers: a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• A roster listing at least 20 members who actively participate in ERG meetings.** ERGs are strongly encouraged to have representation from both faculty and staff.
• Have bylaws with a plan of rotating leadership between SDSU faculty and staff (if applicable)***
• An approved annual plan detailing how ERG efforts will support the primary objectives of SDSU's diversity goals.
• Continuing ERGs applying for renewal must also provide a narrative summary describing their events and activities for the past year, as well as descriptions of how the group and their activities have served their mission and goals.

 * An Affinity Group is a voluntary, employee-led community created around a shared identity, background, or lived experience—such as race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or cultural heritage. These groups aim to foster inclusion, belonging, support, and empowerment across the workplace. While Affinity groups do not receive funding support, the Office of Employee Engagement provides guidance and advising on how affinity group leaders can create a active and meaning community with their members, as well as marketing and communications support.

** We will work with any groups worried about the membership requirement to ensure they are not prohibited from participating.

*** Please note that your respective bargaining units are the sole bargaining agents for employees, including on terms and conditions of employment.

**** The purpose of requiring bylaws is so that applicants have a mechanism to share with us how they operate. Applicant organizations are free to write bylaws that are appropriate for them, in whatever format they see fit. (the attached is merely a suggested template to be helpful)

In addition, ERG officers must agree to participate in an ERG orientation and in periodic cross-ERG meetings and events. SA+CD reserves the right to approve and continue recognition of ERG’s based on existing resources, level of participation, and adherence to SDSU policies and procedures. Please note: The ERGs are not bargaining agents for any units, including on terms and conditions of employment, or act in any official capacity for the University. 

If you have not established your group as an Affinity Group yet, please apply to do so: SDSU Affinity Group Application.

If you are now eligible to apply as an ERG, you may proceed to fill out this form. Complete the NEW ERG application by 5:00PM on May 15 (opens on April 1) to begin the process. Established ERGs must submit a reaffirmation form each year by May 15 to remain active.