2025 – Overview

Affinity Groups are cross-sector communities within the Impact Guild focused on addressing specific social issues. These groups bring together members from diverse Peer Groups to collaborate, share expertise, and drive meaningful impact around a shared mission.

Purpose of Affinity Groups

  • Build collaborative communities around pressing societal challenges.
  • Facilitate cross-disciplinary connections to drive innovation and collective action.
  • Provide opportunities for programming, networking, and knowledge sharing that align with the Guild’s mission of fostering social good and healthy democracy.

Affinity Groups Launching or Expanding in 2025

  • Artificial Intelligence. Creates a space for members to share best practices for how to use AI tools and advocate for creative-centric solutions to AI-incorporation in media, arts, and entertainment, including how to offset job losses that result from AI.
  • Bridging/Depolarization. Aims to reduce political and social polarization by fostering dialogue and understanding across divides.
  • Climate Change. Seeks to combat climate change through advocacy, awareness, and actionable solutions.
  • Democracy. Works to strengthen democratic systems, protect voting rights, and ensure fair representation.
  • Economic Justice. Tackles disparities in wealth and income, advocating for policies that promote economic justice and equal opportunity.
  • Gender Equity. Promotes equal rights and opportunities for all genders, focusing on dismantling gender-based discrimination, particularly for women and gender-nonconforming individuals.
  • Immigration. Advocates for humane and just immigration policies and the protection of immigrant rights—primarily in the U.S., but may also include an international lens.
  • LGBTQ Equality. Promotes the rights and well-being of LGBTQ individuals through advocacy and support for inclusive policies, including enhanced, authentic representation and ownership of productions.
  • Media Literacy. Focuses on enhancing public understanding of how media (including social media) influences perception and decision-making.
  • Mental Health. Advocates for accessible mental health services and works to reduce stigma around mental health issues.
  • Racial Justice. Works to dismantle systemic racism and promote racial equity across all sectors of society.
  • Reproductive Rights. Advocates for reproductive autonomy and access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.

Requirements to Establish an Affinity Group

To ensure sustainability and engagement, an Affinity Group must meet the following criteria:

  • Momentum and Interest. At least 20 Guild members must express interest in the topic.
  • Bridging/Depolarization. Aims to reduce political and social polarization by fostering dialogue and understanding across divides.
  • Leadership. A committed Chair (and optionally, a Vice Chair) to spearhead the group.
  • Programming Commitment. Schedule at least one meeting per month for active member engagement.

Affinity Group Leadership Responsibilities

Affinity Group Chairs (and Vice Chairs, if applicable) are responsible for:

  • Community Building: Welcoming and onboarding new members to the group.
  • Platform Moderation: Managing the group’s Mighty Networks space, including:
  • Posting discussions and resources.
  • Highlighting featured content and hashtags.
  • Organizing group activities and maintaining an active feed.
  • Programming: Planning and hosting regular events (e.g., discussions, workshops, or webinars) tailored to the group’s focus area.
  • Collaboration: Identifying opportunities for collaboration across Peer Groups and other Affinity Groups.
  • Reporting: Providing regular updates to Guild leadership about group activities and engagement.

Membership and Participation

  • Open to All Guild Members: Affinity Groups are open to any member who aligns with the group’s mission.
  • Membership Access: Groups are private spaces on Mighty Networks, and members must be approved by the Affinity Group’s Chair or Vice Chair to join.
  • Active Participation: Members are encouraged to attend events, contribute to discussions, and share relevant resources to enhance group engagement.

How Affinity Groups Operate

Affinity Groups primarily operate on the Mighty Networks platform, leveraging its tools to create a vibrant, organized community:

  • Key Features:
  • Feed: Central hub for posts, updates, and discussions.
  • Events: Calendar of group events and programming.
  • Members Tab: Roster of current members and tools to welcome new members.
  • Chat: Direct messaging for group-wide communication.
  • Customization: Leaders can tailor their space with hashtags, pinned posts, and featured content to keep members informed and engaged.

Programming Guidelines

Affinity Groups are expected to organize programming that:

  • Encourages cross-sector collaboration and discussion.
  • Drives awareness and action around the group’s focus issue.
  • Provides meaningful value to members and aligns with the Guild’s broader mission.

Example programming ideas:

  • Panel discussions featuring experts in the field.
  • Skill-building workshops or tutorials.
  • Networking meetups or informal gatherings.
  • Co-hosted events with other Affinity Groups or Peer Groups.

Steps to Get Involved

  • Join an Existing Group: Explore the list of active Affinity Groups and request to join through Mighty Networks.
  • Start a New Group: If you’re passionate about an issue not yet represented, gather interest from at least 20 members and submit a proposal to Guild leadership.
  • Collaborate: Partner with Affinity Groups to co-create programming or explore intersections between topics.

Reporting and Metrics

To ensure accountability and effectiveness, Affinity Groups must:

  • Provide monthly updates to Guild leadership summarizing activities, participation, and successes.
  • Track member engagement and event attendance.
  • Share strategic insights or needs for growth and collaboration.

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