Affinity Groups

Asian American Culture Club (AACC)

The Asian American Culture Club is a space for students to learn about and explore Asian American identity, issues and history. We host weekly meetings where we build affinity, learn about Asian American experiences, discuss current events and ways to get involved both in our school community and in the community at large. Our weekly meetings are frequently combined with SASA (South Asian Student Alliance) and JLCC (Japanese Language and Culture Club). AACC hosts guest speakers, food outings, museum visits and movie nights to spread awareness of Asian American culture.

Asian Students in Action (ASiA)

Asian Students in Action (ASiA) is the Upper School's Asian-American affinity group. We strive to promote collaboration and support for Asian and allied students, providing a safe space to celebrate Asian culture, explore one's identity, and understand AAPI heritage. Through events such as an all-community discussion on anti-Asian violence, passing out pamphlets detailing how to report a hate crime, and a number of presentations and projects, ASiA has worked to increase its campus visibility over the last year. Club members also discuss important topics each week (model minority myth, Asian fetishization, mental health, etc) and help organize different club events (Asian holiday celebrations, food outings, work in the greater LA community, etc). We hope to continue empowering Asian-American voices and strengthening our allyship with other affinity groups on campus.

Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC)

BLACC provides space for Black students, faculty and allies of all races to convene once a week to discuss Black culture, student life, student activism, self-expression, and more that are usually missed in an HW classroom environment. Along with club meetings, we host speakers and community-wide events to foster an open and welcoming environment both to Black students in the Harvard-Westlake community, and anyone interested to immerse themselves in Black culture.

Diversability: Overcoming Inequality Together! (DO-IT!)

DO-IT! (Diversability: Overcoming Inequality Together) is a space on campus where students unite to advocate equity and visibility for the neurodiverse and diversely-abled community. Through dialogue and education we address the stigma attached to disabilities and tackle issues of varying severity that students of all ability levels face daily.

Empower

Empower is Harvard-Westlake's women's empowerment and gender equality club. Empower strives to make HW a more inclusive community by striking up conversations about intersectional feminism and current events as well as celebrate women's voices in our community. The club also aims to combat gender inequality outside HW through fundraising, raising awareness, and taking direct action. ALL ARE WELCOME!

First Generation and Immigrants Alliance (1GIA)

This club is for any first generation students and immigration allies to be able to educate themselves but also others. It is a safe space for students and faculty to be able to get together and help educate the whole school and hold fun advocacy and activism events for the community. We want everyone to feel welcome and proud of who they are and we hope this space is one way everyone feels comfortable sharing their experiences.

Gender Sexuality Awareness (GSA)

Gender and Sexuality Awareness (GSA) is an open affinity group for members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. We meet regularly to discuss current events, inclusivity on campus and more with the goal of creating a safe, supportive community for everyone. Throughout the year, we host events that draw inspiration from our discussions so that we can celebrate and share our pride with the wider school and local community, such as hosting a citywide dance for queer teens. All are welcome!

Japanese Language & Culture Club (JLCC)

The Japanese Language and Culture Club focuses on Japanese language lessons and Japanese and Japanese American culture. Our meetings are frequently combined with AACC. We host guest speakers and cultural events to share Japanese American history and culture with the broader school community.

Jewish Club

Jewish Club aims to provide a space for students, Jewish and non-Jewish to discuss holidays and religious views, share traditions, and talk about personal experiences as a Jewish teen in America. Through tasty treats, fun games, and interesting discussions Jewish club seeks to engage individuals at HW in a unique and fun environment that fosters learning and connectedness to Jewish Culture.

Latinx Hispanic Student Organization (LAHSO)

The Latinx Hispanic Student Organization (LAHSO) is a club founded in 2016 and is composed of students in grades 10-12 at Harvard-Westlake Upper School. LAHSO focuses on the following areas: leadership, community service, cultural awareness, and bringing together the Latinx / Hispanic community at Harvard-Westlake. We thrive on unifying our wide range of cultures, and sharing our personal experiences to educate one another through discussions about current events and issues involving the Latinx community. LAHSO is a safe place for anyone who is a part of any of the affinity groups or allies. Whether through our weekly meetings, sleepovers, trips to cultural events, LAHSO Fest, or our keynote speakers, our club is determined to raise cultural awareness inside and outside of Harvard-Westlake. Everyone is welcome to our club and we are an affinity group that continues to promote diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

Middle Eastern and North African Student Association (MENASA)

The Middle Eastern and North African Student Association (MENASA) is dedicated to uniting students from the MENA region and allies, fostering cultural appreciation and solidarity. Our mission is to create an inclusive community that celebrates and educates on the diverse heritage of the MENA diaspora. Through events, discussions, and collaborative initiatives, we aim to bridge cultural gaps and highlight the richness of our collective experiences. MENASA endeavors to promote understanding by exploring historical, societal, and contemporary aspects of the MENA region. We challenge stereotypes, encourage cross-cultural dialogue, and seek to establish a sense of belonging for all members. We're committed to nurturing leadership, supporting educational opportunities, and advocating for social causes within our community. Our goal is to empower members to be agents of change, promoting unity, respect, and collaboration. We strive to create a space where every voice is heard, every story is valued, and every individual feels pride in their heritage. Ultimately, MENASA seeks to not only strengthen our own community but also contribute positively to the broader academic and societal spheres.

Middle Eastern Student Association (MESA)

MESA (Middle Eastern Student Association) is a place for students to share and celebrate Middle Eastern culture. We play games, talk about current events, and eat great Middle Eastern food. Our goal is to engage the community in open-minded discussions and help educate Harvard-Westlake students about the beauty, diversity, and complexity of the Middle East. All are welcome!

Multiethnic Inclusion and(x) Diversity (MIxD)

Multiethnic Inclusion and Diversity (MIxD) is an affinity group for students of multiethnic backgrounds. We offer a space where people can discuss their experiences being mixed race. Although the mixed community is widely diverse, we hope to bring people together. We give students the opportunity to voice their opinions, learn from each other, and navigate their own identity. We also bring up relevant multiethnic media, introduce new people to support, and bring in guest speakers. This is a safe place to talk and everyone is welcome.

Muslim Students Association (MSA)

The Muslim Students Association (MSA) brings together not only Muslims from all backgrounds but anyone who is interested in the deep history of Islam. Join us for discussions and events regarding the religion of Islam. Over the course of the year, we will invite speakers to touch upon sensitive yet important topics. We will also be celebrating the Islamic Holidays while understanding the rich history that defines them. In our meetings, we strive to build a foundation upon which to engage topics regarding Islam while maintaining an open-minded outlook on important current events.

Simon Says Girls Club

Simon Says Girls Club goal/purpose is to bring awareness (through activities during break) of issues girls encounter and to provide assistance (through fundraisers) to girls that are less fortunate than girls who attend schools like Harvard-Westlake. The financial assistance is to provide girls with health-related issues access to education.

South Asian Student Alliance (SASA)

HW SASA, the Harvard-Westlake South Asian Student Alliance, is a student-run affinity group that teaches and celebrates South Asian culture. Throughout the year, we discuss South Asian culture and news, as well as hold festivals. We stand for the inclusion, acceptance, and celebration of our South Asian identities and heritage, and we look forward to learning the stories of all students who join the club, even if they aren't South Asian. SASA does not represent just one identity; instead, we are many ethnicities united and open to learn. And of course, we have delicious food!

Turkish Club

Turkish Club is a space for all Upper School students to come together and enjoy/learn more about Turkey’s fascinating history, culture, and cuisine. We host many prominent Turkish-Americans as keynote speakers, and our club has delicious snacks. Our club aims to share the beauty of Turkey, and also to promote cultural multilateralism.

Women of Color (WOC)

WOC, or Women of Color, is a dedicated safe space at Harvard-Westlake where women of color can authentically express themselves and draw strength through our shared stories. Through fundraising and advocacy, our community embraces intersectionality to foster inclusivity and diversity.

Harvard-Westlake Armenian Parent Group

Founded in 2021, this parent-led group strives to bring families and students together to learn, share, and connect the school community to Armenian history, culture, and traditions. The group supports the HW Parents activities with homecoming, faculty/staff appreciation events, and other activities. One of the group's goals is to increase awareness of the history of the Armenian culture for member families and the school community. The group warmly welcomes everyone from the HW school community!

Harvard-Westlake Chinese Cultural Club (HWCCC)

Originally founded in 1990 at the Harvard School, the Harvard-Westlake Chinese Cultural Club (HWCCC) is a diverse and dynamic community dedicated to celebrating, sharing, and promoting Chinese culture. HWCCC promotes the goals of Harvard-Westlake, maintains a supportive network for its members, and creates learning and leadership opportunities for students. HWCCC sponsors Faculty Appreciation Days, a homecoming food booth, Party Book events, and an annual event cosponsored by HW's other cultural affinity groups. The club also hosts various social events for members throughout the school year, including a get-acquainted party, roundtable discussions, parent socials, a Chinese New Year luncheon, Dad's Night Out, and an end-of-year party. In addition, HWCCC's Alpine Recreation Center Student Tutoring Program provides students with leadership and community service opportunities. Everyone from the school community is welcome to join.

Cultural Heritage & Arts of India (CHAI)

CHAI (Cultural Heritage & Arts of India) is an HW parent affinity group that celebrates the cultures of families of South Asian origin, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Sri Lankan heritages. The group begins the school year with a meet-and-greet get-together for families and alumni and culminates with a luncheon to welcome new students and bid farewell to the seniors. Activities also include the middle school and upper school faculty/staff appreciation lunches, the Indian food booth at homecoming, the "Day in India" Party Book event, and events celebrating a variety of Indian festivals and cultures. Anyone from the school community can join.

Harvard-Westlake French Club (HWFC)

The goal of the Harvard-Westlake French Club is to foster exchanges and promote bonds of friendship among people of diverse backgrounds who share an interest in French culture. The club actively supports Harvard-Westlake Parents activities: faculty/staff appreciation luncheons at the upper and middle campuses and the French crêpes booth at homecoming. In addition, HWFC helps raise funds for school scholarships by participating in the annual Party Book event. Other activities may include parent social gatherings around art life and cultural events in Los Angeles and a back-to-school luncheon to welcome new families. Member ideas are welcome along with initiatives to organize gatherings. You do not need to speak French to join!

Japanese-American Affinity Group (JAG)

The Japanese-American Affinity Group welcomes all Harvard-Westlake families who have an interest in Japanese and Japanese-American culture. Its goals include bringing members and their families together, strengthening their connection with the school, and increasing awareness of Japanese and Japanese-American culture. The group organizes activities for members and faculty to meet one another, student and parent forums, and featured speaker events. In its first year, there was a meet-and-greet for members, a Japanese conversation for Japanese language speakers (including several HW faculty members), a fireside chat with the actor Masi Oka '92, a sake tasting, a coffee with Olympian Johnny Hooper '15, a cooking class, and a parent roundtable.

Harvard-Westlake Jewish Family Alliance (HWJFA)

Founded in 2020, the Harvard-Westlake Jewish Family Alliance (HWJFA) offers many ways for families to celebrate, learn about, and connect through Jewish traditions, heritage, and identity. HWJFA welcomes anyone from Harvard-Westlake interested in Jewish culture to join the group for special events, speakers, leadership opportunities, and curated missions. HWJFA creates opportunities to connect with fellow families; HW faculty, administrators, and staff; and other parent affinity groups. Being part of an inclusive community links us to something broader than our own individual experiences, and anyone from the school community is welcome and encouraged to join.

Korean American Parents' Association (KAPA)

Founded in 1990, the Korean American Parents' Association (KAPA) welcomes all Harvard-Westlake families who share an interest in getting to know other parents and learning more about Korean culture. The association hosts events throughout the year, including the annual family banquet where KAPA families gather with teachers and administrators to enjoy a feast and watch student performances. In addition, KAPA organizes the popular Korean food booth at homecoming and co-hosts faculty and staff appreciation luncheons with Harvard-Westlake Parents. KAPA provides opportunities to socialize at the Middle School Moms' Luncheons and Coffee Socials and hosts College Nights for parents to hear firsthand the experiences of other HW parents whose children have already gone through the process of applying to universities. KAPA hosts a holiday party in the winter and a welcome reception for all newly admitted Korean American students and their families in the spring. Finally, KAPA closes the year with a networking event for the upper school. Anyone from the school community can join.

Latin American Parents' Association (LAPA)

The goal of the Latin American Parents' Association is to provide a welcoming atmosphere to new HW families and an informal network, as well as increase the awareness of HW's multicultural student body. Founded in 2003, the club hosts a Welcome Family Fiesta for all members and HW faculty/staff and administrators to welcome new Latin American families to the school. LAPA also contributes to two faculty/staff appreciation luncheons per year, as well as hosting the Latin American food booth at homecoming in support of Harvard-Westlake Parents. Anyone from the school community can join.

Harvard-Westlake Ohana

Founded in 2021, HW Ohana was organized to share traditions and customs from all Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) including but not limited to Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, and Pacific and Polynesian Islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Guam.

We are a cosmopolitan group and are at ease with different cultures, values, and many of us represent multiple blended races. We will be engaged in events and activities with the Harvard-Westlake Affinity Group and HW Parents Association.

Parents of African-American Harvard-Westlake Students (PAAHWS)

The goal of PAAHWS is to build community, offer support, and provide opportunities for families to connect and have a dialogue. The club hosts an annual back-to-school event to welcome families to the new school year. Members participate in Harvard-Westlake Parents events, which include faculty/staff appreciation luncheons, homecoming, an annual school event, and other activities. The club also organizes social events in recognition of Black History Month as well as a community service activity that brings students and parents together to make a difference in the lives of others. The culminating event of each school year is a picnic to welcome new families to our school and bid farewell to our seniors. PAAHWS also partners with and supports the BLACC student club, PSV (Private School Village), and other parent groups to bring additional enriching and community-building activities to HW. Anyone from the school community is invited to join.

Harvard-Westlake Pride

HW LGBTQ+ parents and parents of LGBTQ+ students will connect as an affinity group through HW Pride. The group will host panels and workshops for parents to engage in along with fun social events and activities. Parents can participate in events and activities with the HW Parents for faculty appreciation events, homecoming food/game booths, and more. Anyone interested in supporting the LGBTQ+ community at HW is welcome to attend.