The FY26-27 State Budget process is in its final weeks, and legislators need to hear from us now! Please join us in urging Illinois' elected officials to fund the Illinois Affinity Group Network by adding it to the state budget at a flat rate of $1 million. 
You can continue to elevate your voice with others by submitting this letter to your state elected officials, helping to push for the full funding and the Illinois Affinity Group Network to be added to the state budget to continue the retention of diverse educators and improve student outcomes across the state. &nbsp;

TAKE ACTION TODAY: Tell Legislators to Fund Retention of Diverse Educators

Like many districts across the state, my school is feeling the impact of Illinois’ ongoing teacher shortage. Research shows that teachers of color improve outcomes for all students, and especially for students of color. For example, Black students who have at least one Black teacher in elementary school are more likely to graduate and attend college. But to retain diverse educators, we need supportive environments where they can thrive. That’s exactly what the ISBE Affinity Group Network provides—a space for educators to build community, combat isolation, and support one another.

The results speak for themselves: over the last three years, educators who participated in at least half of an affinity group’s meetings were retained at 97%—nearly 10% higher than the average for educators of color in Illinois. 

ISBE requested $1 million in its budget to continue funding the Illinois Affinity Group Network as a successful educator retention program, but it was cut from the Governor’s budget. Without legislative support, districts will lose a proven retention tool that supports diverse educators, and the network of support for both educators and district leaders will end this school year. 

Please ensure that diverse Illinois educators have the support they need to stay in the Illinois schools by requesting that the IL Affinity Group Network be fully funded and added to the state’s budget. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to working together to continue to strengthen diverse educator retention in the state. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

2027 IL Affinity Group Network Budget Advocacy

Learn More About the Illinois Affinity Group Network & GROW with Us!