What are affinity groups?
affinity groups refer to small activist groups, usually five to twenty members fighting for the matter. They are autonomous, which means that they do not control any larger organization or determine their agenda. Anyone can actually create an autonomous affinity group with their close friends, family members, neighbors or collaborators. They can engage in activities called "direct action" that increase their beliefs.
Some of the activities in which the Afinity group is usually involved are assemblies, road blockages, street theaters, tree sessions, banner drops or musical numbers in activist gatherings. They can also serve as backup for larger mass events and other affinity groups. Some of these groups also do charity work. An example is when medics form an affinity group that helps to feed street people and devote themselves to their medical needs.
affinity groups are effective because members are enthusiastic about their cause. AndOutflows are autonomous, they can leave their creativity rising without being dictated by a formal organization that says what they can do and what they can't do. Their creativity, independence, passion and idealism are the driving forces in the affinity group.
It also often happens that creative and artistic people form the affinity group. As such, they can hear their voices and notice when they sing about their cause, creating creative posters and artistic pieces. These types of actions help to manage their message home or state productions that show their talent and at the same time transmit a sophisticated message.
affinity groups are freely organized, without a formal hierarchy. All members consider each other a co-founder fighting for a common goal, similar to the comrades in the revolutionary group. In most of these groups, however, there are common roles. Members can take over the roles as the role of a doctor, legal observer, mediaMan, right and "action elf" or "observer's vibration" - someone who generally cares about the wellness of each member by giving away water bottles, massaging his back and stimulating everyone. Other members can provide prison support when someone is arrested in their group. Interestingly, some members can even be a "arrest" -ti who are willing to spend some time in prison if the police pick them up.
historically began affinity groups in Spain of the 19th century. Spanish anarchists named Grupos de affinidad were perhaps the first affinity groups ever. In the 60s and 70 years, similar groups became very popular during the American anti -war movement. Later they spread to university campuses, carrying anti -war propaganda or simply fought for religious, gender, ethnic and animal rights.