Just as the universe is composed of a symphony of different galaxies, life forms, and communities, the field of landscape architecture encompasses a diversity of identities and expressions of its practitioners. A myriad of affiliate groups have self-organized over the years under the umbrella of landscape architecture and ASLA, creating spaces for support and shared identities. These groups have promoted community building by uplifting historically underrepresented voices and motivating students, professionals, allies, and many more to come together and strengthen everyone's unique voices and perspectives.

This year, for the first time, and inspired by the theme of "Beyond Boundaries," all the affinity groups coalesced during the conference in New Orleans. With an increasingly challenging political and fragmented social landscape across the country, this gathering became a safe space to embody empathy, acceptance, and fellowship, motivated by a desire to strengthen and broaden connections across affiliate groups.

The gathering was organized by El Merequetengue with the goal of meeting each other, sharing who we are, describing what each group advocates for, brainstorming ideas on future collaboration, and building strength as a larger network. Additionally, this effort helped recognize that there are many folks who overlap intersectionally with different affinity groups, and aimed to amplify by uniting, rather than dividing or keeping each group working in isolation.

This year, the gathering was attended by eight affiliate groups: the Disabled Designer Network (DDNxLA), Asian Diaspora in Landscape Architecture, Indigenous Collective Group (ICG), BlackLAN, Pride x ASLA, NAMLA, WxLA, and El Merequetengue. Some of these groups have years under their belts, including fully-fledged non-profits like BlackLAN and WxLA, while others, such as the Indigenous Collective Group, are more recently formed. The Disabled Designer Network was the newest group, having launched that same weekend at the conference.

The two-hour meeting in the beautiful River Room provided by ASLA began with a round of introductions. The typical linear chair formation became a welcoming circle in which all participants shared who they are and why they were there. There was no formal agenda, but rather a fluid conversation that included a presentation by each group on their goals and activities, and a magical appearance by Cody Blackbird, who serenaded the group with a flute performance. The key ingredients were kindness, deep listening, and holding space for one another—a space of community and belonging, full of empathy, acceptance, and sharing, which provided a profound sense of optimism—even transformation. Listening to the different voices, perspectives, and experiences around shared struggles and aspirations was powerful. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation was provided and served as both a reminder and a call to continue our collective action accessibly and inclusively.

 “Stepping into a space gathered in the round immediately felt like a breath of fresh air and groundedness,” shared attendee Danny Phillips, Design Corps Fellow with Americorps. “As someone who doesn’t adhere to one identity, this convening of professionals, students, and affiliates created a space that understands the value of connection and collaboration in shared histories, opening up the opportunity for emerging and established professionals to find common ground and community that might not have been available before.”

Some highlights of the gathering included:

• Hearing the younger and new ASLA participants share their unexpected sense of welcoming and belonging created by the space, and their gratitude for facilitating a meeting amongst the community or communities with which they identify
• Sharing with open hearts the difficulties, and sometimes successes, that each person has experienced this past year
• Building understanding and support across groups to feel empowered, validated, and organized against discrimination
• Healing from a challenging year where political and social gains are being undermined and even reverted back to less inclusive baselines.

 During the gathering, participants collectively identified some action items for the future:

• Continue to facilitate ASLA Affiliate Groups gatherings at future conferences to deepen connections and conversations
• Set up quarterly video calls
• Identify an ASLA staff champion for all the ASLA Affiliate Groups as a contact person to discuss ideas, events, campaigns, and more.

The gathering was a beautiful opportunity to celebrate each group’s identities, identify opportunities for future connections, and advocate for our communities. This celebration of diversity created a communal space that highlighted the power we share when we come together and the importance of design inclusive of all. These conversations are necessary for breaking down barriers—whether physical, political, or cultural—to create solutions for today with an eye towards an unpredictable future. Participants felt an underlying atmosphere of acceptance and respect, coming away with optimism about building a safe place for expression within ASLA.

 "The future awaits, and these collaborative discussion efforts are an example of what it means to come together as one and collectively be the voices that bring hope, strength, and encouragement to one another as we continue planting seeds of impact and being change-makers in all that we do,” noted Brenda Palacios Rodriguez, Indigenous Collective Group & Merequetengue member. 

This gathering is the beginning of many more. All eight affinity groups invite ASLA and allies to continue engaging in these discussions, and to co-create, co-collaborate more than ever to ensure a brighter future awaits future generations. We invite you to learn more about these affinity groups and continue the conversation.