Affinity Groups: What’s Your Fit?

Jamie-Rasberry-250-250
Jamie Rasberry
Policy Coordinator
MS Alliance

Greetings!

I have now been at the Alliance for four months, yet it feels like I have been here four years! My father taught me early in life, when you know what you are supposed to do, you jump right in and figure out how to do it. And that is exactly what I have been doing in my short time here, and it has been nothing short of exciting.

In the years leading up to the launch of the Alliance, there was a dream to create affinity groups that convene stakeholders from across the state who have a common interest, a desire to learn and share, and a commitment to work around specific issues that ultimately impact policy at the state level.

The Education Affinity Group, having been established in 2017, has been instrumental in narrowing the gap in the digital divide in Mississippi and continues to identify other gaps and issues that will help our educators and students succeed.

We recently launched the Health Affinity Group and the Workforce Development/Family Economic Security Affinity Group and are thrilled to bring together stakeholders in these two areas to create strategies and solutions that will positively impact more people across the state.

The Workforce/FES group convenes leaders and organizations across the state who are committed to aligning, learning, and working together to accelerate and create equitable solutions that strengthen the workforce ecosystem and family economic security for Mississippians. We believe every resident in the state can achieve economic security through access to good jobs and living wages, work support, thriving businesses, savings, and enough wealth to pass on fiscal mobility to future generations.

Our Health group believes that every Mississippian can achieve a life of health and well-being. To see that vision come to life, we also convene leaders across the state to identify challenges and create solutions to build a healthier state for future generations.

Alliance dreams are coming true! We know we are always better together. If you are interested in being a part of one of our affinity groups, please reach out to me at jamie.rasberry@aliancems.org or call 601-968-0061

To see the entire newsletter Click Here

Related Articles

Never Forget: Volunteers are the Everyday Heroes and Heroes Every Day

September 11, 2026

Twenty-five years have passed since the tragic events of a day all Americans know as shorthand: 9/11. Although our resolve was tested, we found a way to transform tragedy into togetherness, with people from across the country stepping up to volunteer and serve in countless ways. In 2009, Congress designated September 11 as a National […]

Forging a New Path Toward Stronger Nonprofits and Foundations—and a Stronger Mississippi

May 1, 2026

To the organizations, leaders, and communities we have had the honor of serving for the past seven years: I want to talk to you honestly about where the Alliance is and where we are going. Seven years ago, this organization launched with a bold idea: that nonprofits and philanthropic organizations in Mississippi would be stronger, […]

Woodward Hines Education Foundation Supports First-Gen College Success in Mississippi with $1.5 Million Grant to FirstGen Forward

January 26, 2026

The Woodward Hines Education Foundation is focused on college completion in Mississippi, and its funds will allow FirstGen Forward to expand its impact in the state.