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Why Racial Affinity Groups?

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(A PDF version of this post is available here:)

Affinity groups are developed in corporate and non-profit organizations to strengthen diversity and inclusivity efforts. They are homogenous support groups composed of people who share common interests or experiences (Indeed, n.d.).

In clinical and community settings, homogeneous affinity groups are similarly designed to offer a safe space for people to support each other in learning and healing situations. They foster interpersonal connections in pursuit of a broader unifying vision. While affinity groups may form around common needs or behaviors (e.g., single parenting, substance abuse, survivors of domestic violence), they also form around key identities (gender, sexual orientation, race) and offer a safe space for members to examine the elevation or subjugation associated with the social locations of their identities (Watt-Jones, 2010).
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Can You Hear Me?

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“We love each other but we’re always bickering. I can’t stand it.”

“He doesn’t hear a word I say!”

“We have a huge communication problem: I have to yell in order for her to hear me.”

“I tell him what I need and he just goes ahead and does what he wants, as if I haven’t said anything at all.”

Breaking or Making the Relationship

Are any of these words familiar? Whether at work or at home, communication problems can damage relationships. Destructive patterns of speaking and behaving undermine love and trust, interfere with sound decision-making, and breed unhealthy conflict. Strong communication skills, on the other hand, enable people to hear each other, support healthy decision-making and help manage and resolve conflicts in both personal and professional relationships. Read more