Affinity group
An affinity group is a group formed around a shared interest or common goal, to which individuals formally or informally belong. Affinity groups are generally precluded from being under the aegis of any governmental agency, and their purposes must be primarily non-commercial. Examples of affinity groups include
Some affinity groups are organized in a non-
Affinity groups can be based on a common social identity or
Employee and professional affinity groups
Affinity groups in the workplace or as part of a professional association are composed of people who share similar backgrounds or interests. In the workplace, they are also referred to as
Political affinity groups
Affinity groups engaged in political activism date to 19th century
Politically oriented affinity groups in the United States gained public attention during the anti-Vietnam War movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The term was first used by
The 1999
Organization
External
By definition, Affinity groups are
- Cluster: The cluster is the basic unit of organization amongst Affinity groups. A cluster consists of several Affinity groups and is organized in a non-hierarchical manner. A cluster can be permanent, but is more often an
- Spokescouncil: The spokescouncil is an aggregate of clusters and Affinity groups. Each Affinity group or cluster nominates one representative (often called a "spoke") to participate in the council. Spokescouncils are most often temporary bodies, committed to accomplishing one task or event.[10]
Internal
Affinity groups tend to be loosely organized, however there are some formal roles or positions that commonly occur. A given Affinity group may have all, some or none of these positions. They may be permanent or temporary and the group may opt to take turns in these roles, or assign one role to one person.
- Spokesperson (or just spoke): The individual charged with representing the Affinity group at a spokescouncil or cluster meeting. Occasionally, the spoke will be granted a more general ambassadorial role by the Affinity group.
- Facilitator: A person or people who perform facilitation duties in consensus processof the group and also, to varying degrees, act as arbiter of internal conflicts.
- Media contact: An individual who represents the group to the mass media. Often this individual is the same person as the Spoke.
- Vibe watch: A person or people charged with monitoring the mood and feeling of the group. The reference is to vibrations in the colloquial emotional sense. In some Affinity groups, the vibe watch is also charged with keeping the facilitator from using his or her role to favor any position or proposal.
- Snap-decision facilitator: Also called "quick decision facilitator", this is a person charged with making decisions for the group in time-constrained or high-pressure situations. The position is rare and is almost always temporary (contrast with the pre-Imperial Roman concept of a temporary dictator).
See also
References
- ^ "Today's Affinity Groups: Risks and Rewards". SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management). 2019-10-11. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
- ^ Sha, Mandy (May 2023). "Cross-cultural and multilingual research affinity group" (PDF). American Association for Public Opinion Research. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- .
- ^ "rantcollective.net". ww12.rantcollective.net. Archived from the original on May 19, 2006.
- ^ "Starhawk.org : Affinity groups". Archived from the original on August 28, 2006.
- ^ Uproot : Affinity groups
- ^ "Seattle prepares for battle - Trade before freedom". Archived from the original on 2020-10-25. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ "rantcollective.net". ww12.rantcollective.net. Archived from the original on May 19, 2006.
- ^ "Austinspokes.org". Archived from the original on July 9, 2006.
- ^ "Austinspokes.org What is a spokescouncil?". Archived from the original on July 9, 2006.
External links
- Directaction.org - hundreds of AG actions, photos, and resources
- Generic Organizational Structure Outline for Affinity groups