NONVIOLENCE TOOLKIT
Affinity Groups
An affinity group (AG) is a small group of fellow protesters or friends who know and trust each other and serve as a source of support and solidarity during actions and demonstrations. Some affinity groups exist only for a particular protest or action where they stay together and look out for each other; other AGs are together for years. Some AGs participate together only in larger demonstrations; others participate also in smaller autonomous actions. AGs support horizontal organizing within and among groups. AGs may meet just before an action or meet regularly between actions to educate each other as well as strategize together. AGs may be based on people’s interests or strengths, and take on select tasks according to their talents and movement needs.
They prepare, carry out, and leave the protest together, interacting with the larger protest as a unit.
They create a security plan together and divide up roles for the action and for responding in an emergency.
They know and trust each other, and respond immediately, intelligently, and flexibly to emerging situations.
They act as supports to those arrested: informing whomever needs to be informed, helping with bail, going to court appearances, visiting those in jail, taking care of kids and pets, organizing vigils, etc.
For more complete information on AGs:
The What, Why, and How of Affinity Groups
Rising Tide North America – Confronting the Root Causes of Climate Change