resource
Update
event
FAI 2024
NEWS
Partner
Region
Virtual Affinity Groups, Fall 2026: November 2-17
October 19, 2026
resource
Update
event
FAI 2024
NEWS
Partner
Region
Virtual Affinity Groups Fall 2026
Topic: Showcasing and Self-Promotion
Affinity groups are informal gathering spaces for people of the same lived experience and identity, who have historically been oppressed or underserved. You are invited to our last round of Virtual Affinity Groups before we meet in-person at the Conference. You are welcome to register for any group to which you self-identify.
For this round, we are suggesting the topic: Showcasing and Self-Promotion. How do you make authentic connections that take your art to the right audiences? In this virtual gathering, the moderator will make sure everyone has a chance to share their thoughts in a welcoming and listening environment. Participants will also hear about the new Belonging Room, an FAI Chicago private showcase opportunity for affinity group members.
FAI creates affinity groups upon request. Contact DEIA Coordinator Janice Jo Lee if you have questions janice@folk.org
Folkies 55+
Monday, November 2, 2026
Moderated by Craig Siemsen
10 AM CT Register
Neurodivergent Folks
Monday, November 2, 2026
Moderated by Steafan Hannigan and Ashley Shabankareh
12 PM CT Register
Folks Coping with Grief and Loss
Monday, November 2, 2026
Moderated by Stephen Bond Garvan
4 PM CT Register
Women (Evening)
Monday, November 2, 2026
Moderated by Katherine Paterson
7 PM CT Register
Parents and Caregivers (1)
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Moderated by Alex Wong and Leah Light
10 AM CT Register
Latiné Folks
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Moderated by Catalina Maria Johnson
8 PM CT Register
Indigenous Folks
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Moderated by Ila Barker
8 PM CT Register
Folks with Disabilities or Chronic Illness
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Moderated by Charlie Mosbrook and Alysha Brilla
12 PM CT Register
Parents and Caregivers (2)
Monday, November 9, 2026
Moderated by Piper Hayes and Carson Ritcey-Thorpe
9 AM CT Register
LGBTQ2SIA+
Monday, November 9, 2026
Moderated by Jennifer Knapp and Ryan Leddick
2 PM CT Register
Activists and Changemakers
Monday, November 9, 2026
Moderated by Liz Sunde
4 PM CT Register
SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa)
Monday, November 9, 2026
Moderated by Tenise Marie and Naghmeh Shafiei
6 PM CT Register
Folks from the African Diaspora
Monday, November 9, 2026
Moderated by Bertrand Evans-Taylor
7:30 PM CT Register
Women (Daytime)
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Moderated by Paula Fong
12 PM CT Register
Indigenous Allies
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Moderated by Janice Jo Lee
2 PM CT Register
Jewish Folks
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Moderated by Sariyah Idan and Carolyn Shulman
2 PM CT Register
Pan-Asian Pacific Islander Folks (Eastern Hemisphere)
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Moderated by Amrita Soon
3 AM CT / 5 PM MYT Register
Pan-Asian Pacific Islander Folks (Western Hemisphere)
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Moderated by Aireene Espiritu
7 PM CT Register
Next Generation (Under 35)
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Moderated by Paula Fong
4 PM CT Register
Contact Janice Jo Lee, Affinity Group Coordinator
if you have any questions at janice@folk.org
