Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups Guidelines

An ‘affinity group’ may be formed by any group of REFORMA members linked by a common purpose, ideology, interest, or social identity.  Membership in an affinity group will be open and informal within the REFORMA organizational structure.  The organizational structure for affinity groups will be non-hierarchical, flexible and decentralized.  Affinity groups may make decisions based solely on consensus.

The organization will not institute affinity groups; such groups must be formed on a voluntary basis.

Individual membership and participation in such groups must be voluntary. All affinity group meetings and activities must be open to all members of REFORMA. 

Members who wish to form an affinity group must present their intention in writing to the Executive Committee (EC) of REFORMA. Once approved by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors (BOC), the affinity group may schedule meetings and activities.   Affinity groups must  adhere to REFORMA’s Mission Statement and the Guidelines listed below.

Guidelines:

• Use of the REFORMA name, logo and branding on any material distributed to membership or publicly, must be reviewed and approved by REFORMA's Public Relations chair or other designee from the Executive Committee.
• Groups are strongly encouraged to create ground rules, and to remind members of the rules at the beginning of each meeting.
• The discussions that take place in any affinity group meeting or event are meant to be constructive, supportive, and to stimulate dialogue.
• Respond to opinions and viewpoints with respect and from a place of learning.
• Listen respectfully, without interrupting, with the  intent to understand  others' views.
• Allow everyone the chance to speak.  Avoid monopolizing the conversation.
• Ask questions when you do not understand. Do not assume you know others’ thinking or motivations.  
• Avoid assumptions about any members of the group or generalizations about social/cultural groups.  Avoid asking  individuals to speak for their (perceived) social/cultural group.