“The reason why affinity groups exist in the first place isn’t because students want to segregate themselves from the rest of the population,” Fine points out, “but because the population is excluding them to begin with.” Gathering in safe spaces around shared identity allows students to engage in conversations about how they can subvert the structures that push them to the margins. In turn, these conversations “push the school to be more social-activist-oriented and less assimilationist-oriented,” says Fine.

Essential Questions

• How can affinity groups provide a space for marginalized students to be seen and heard?

• What conditions and resources are needed to run an effective affinity group?

Procedure

1. Identify key issues.

2. Get an administrator on board.

3. Explain the purpose to students, parents and staff

4. Find a facilitator.

5. Recruit members.

6. Follow students' lead in determining the group's focus and activities.

In looking more directly at family and community engagement, keep the following critical practices in mind:

• Culturally sensitive communication

• Inclusion of family and community wisdom

• Increased connections among families

• Use of local resources

• Engagement in community issues and problems

This resource walks you through these critical practices to get to meaningful engagement 

• Connect

• Listen 

• Do what you say you will do