What is an Affinity Group?
An Affinity Group (AG) is a small group of 5-15 people who trust each
other and share a vision and approach to the sort of activism they do. They come together to
participate in a nonviolent campaign or action. An AG might stay together for
years or form for one event. AGs help us prepare for, participate in, and
support each other in actions. We have each other’s backs. In troubled,
conflictual times, it is best not to act alone.
AGs, like working groups or committees, are a small part
of larger group with a central purpose, and they adhere to a code of
nonviolence. The AG structure allows for flexibility of action, and a level of
autonomy while cooperating with others in a campaign or mass action. Interconnection
of AGs minimizes the likelihood of disruptors, as everyone knows everyone else.
Most AGs are non-hierarchal, so there are no “leaders” for authorities to target.
Finding or creating an Affinity Group
Gather together with a small group of trusted people who have similar
opinions about the issues in question and the methods of action to be used. Those
people may know others to invite. It’s important for AG members to be able to
meet in person. Linking with other AGs in a campaign through spokes councils
attended by a representative of each AG is a helpful communication and planning
structure.
AGs develop a shared idea of what is wanted individually and
collectively from the action or campaign. They create agreements acceptable for
the whole collective on basics: how active, how spiritual, what support each
person needs, willingness to risk arrest, political perspectives, action
methods, etc.
Affinity Group direct actions
AG actions are varied but they all encompass nonviolent direct action: advocacy
and reform work, petitions or legislative approaches, building alternative and
new social structures and institutions, drama and music and art, teach-ins,
flash mobs, nonviolent media hijacking. Hundreds of action ideas can be found here and here.
Nonviolent direct action training of a half-day to
several days is strongly advised for anyone contemplating actions in which
arrests or violent conflict are anticipated. The AG carefully plans the action,
and decides who will take on the roles needed such as media contact, first aid,
legal, and those willing to risk arrest.
Support roles are vital to the safety of the participants, ensuring they
have food and water, and to monitor the authorities' response.
Code
of Nonviolence
1. Our attitude
is respectful toward all we encounter in our actions.
2. We use no violence, verbal or physical, toward any person.
3. We do not harm anyone, and we will not retaliate in reaction to violence.
4. We do not carry weapons.
5. We will not be under the influence or bring any non-prescribed drugs or
alcohol.
6. We will not bring dogs nor other animals, except for service animals.
7. During a demonstration we will not run nor make threatening motions.
8. In case of any confrontation, we will seek to de-escalate.
9. We affirm that people’s lives and safety are more important than property.
We focus on creative actions that do not include property destruction.
10. All participants in actions where arrests or violent confrontations are
anticipated must receive nonviolent direct action training.
