Understanding Affinity Circles
A powerful tool to cultivate safe spaces for genuine dialogue and understanding.
An affinity circle is defined as: a circle of people connected by a common interest, purpose, or ideology.
They serve as powerful nurturing grounds for authentic connections and community, where individuals can engage in genuine dialogue, deepen their understanding of one another, and cultivate a sense of belonging.
Affinity Circles allow for conversation around transformative barriers, & create opportunities for deeper authenticity & honesty:
Identity and Intersectionality - Affinity circles are grounded in shared identity and belonging, emphasizing the intersectionality of individual experiences and identities.
Authentic Conversations and Connections: -Affinity circles help reduce trauma activations, emotional labor, and exhaustion related to minoritized people explaining themselves to people outside of their identity group(s).
If you think exploring affinity circles at your brand or business could support the culture you’re looking to create, here are a few things to consider:
→Leadership buy-in and participation is a must.
→An assessment (created with support) is often needed to identify which groups to hold.
Ask instead of assuming! Gathering data is key.
→Prep and pre-thought is essential to understanding the needs & pain points for each affinity group you’re looking to create.
→Centering participant comfort is key.
→Choose your facilitators with intention. They should be empathetic and comfortable with navigating discomfort. Vicarious trauma is real.
Facilitators should not be in affinity circles with their supervisors or direct reports.
→Don’t forget about legal considerations and confidentiality. Check with HR to be safe.
→Your affinity circles should tie into your larger DEIB strategy - it’s important to communicate that strategy to the groups & participants so they know how and where they fit in.
Principles of affinity groups can easily translate to larger community-building initiatives.
Want to further explore creating affinity circles at your brand or business? Let’s talk! Book an intro call here.
This post was created with information leveraged from a Solution Consulting Co. training.
