I have been reflecting on my experiences with the Veterans E-O, and I must express some growing concerns about its current direction. It appears that the group has increasingly become populated and even led by individuals who are not military veterans themselves. Many of these participants prominently feature their pronouns in their profiles and communications—I think of them as "pronoun people." We all know who they are. While I respect diverse viewpoints and personal expressions, and I haven't observed any overt discussions of unrelated topics within the group, this shift seems to have transformed the E-O from a dedicated space for veterans into something more broadly "inclusive" in a way that dilutes its original purpose.
I truly wish that these affinity groups, which are marketed as supportive communities for specific employee demographics, would reconsider the extent of their inclusivity. In this case, the emphasis on welcoming everyone—regardless of direct relevance—has inadvertently created an environment that feels less focused on the unique needs and shared experiences of those who have served in the military. As a result, this over-inclusiveness has personally deterred me from engaging more actively; I find myself reluctant to attend events, contribute to discussions, or propose new ideas, as the group's composition no longer feels centered on veteran-specific matters like career transitions, mental health support, or advocacy for service-related benefits.
That said, I can't help but wonder if it's unreasonable for me to desire a more exclusive setting where I can connect solely with my fellow veteran brothers and sisters. After all, the core value of such groups lies in fostering authentic camaraderie and mutual understanding among those with firsthand military experience. Perhaps implementing measures like veteran status verification for leadership roles or core activities could help restore that balance without entirely excluding supportive allies. I'd appreciate hearing from others who might share similar sentiments or have suggestions for addressing this in a constructive manner.