Affinity Spaces
What is an affinity space? The term "affinity space" is used to denote a space set aside for people who have something important in common, e.g., minority status, race, gender, or special interests.
Why is Millbrook School in support of affinity spaces? Millbrook believes affinity gatherings for minority groups are worthwhile for many reasons. Some of them are:
Why is Millbrook School in support of affinity spaces? Millbrook believes affinity gatherings for minority groups are worthwhile for many reasons. Some of them are:
- finding a safe space
- realizing you're not alone in your experiences
- identifying issues, whether emerging or longstanding
- sharing successes (and low points)
- promoting ideas for action
- providing guidance and support for difficult and courageous conversations, both inside and outside the space
- preparing for deep and honest cross-cultural dialogue with people who might seem different
- providing opportunities for affirmation and celebration
- Allies/Anti-Bigotry
- Asian/Pacific Islander
- Black and African-American
- Jewish
- Latino/a/x
- LGBTQ+
- Multi- and bi-racial
- South Asian
Affinity spaces promote unity within the larger group. These spaces do so by creating a safe forum and firm footing for individuals to discuss issues or difficulties particular to their identity as a minority with people who are can understand because of a shared experience. With that solid ground underfoot, participants can more readily bridge gaps within the community at large without second-guessing themselves, creating a greater and more authentic sense of unity.
Affinity spaces are an important part of the unifying process because we follow certain protocols of personal respect when we gather. For example:
People often feel most safe, comfortable, known, and needed when first grappling with the tough discussions if they are among a group of people with whom they culturally identify. With work, these spaces could ultimately transfer that sense of safety and comfort to the larger group as a whole. Affinity groups are all about creating a platform for further steps toward unity, understanding, appreciation, and respect.
Back
Affinity spaces are an important part of the unifying process because we follow certain protocols of personal respect when we gather. For example:
- We avoid generalizing about or disparaging other identities
- We focus our comments on our personal experience and perspective
- We avoid speaking for others or trying to put words in others' mouths
- We do not identify people who are not present in the conversation
- We agree to treat our conversations with confidentiality to protect vulnerability
- We aim toward promoting constructive dialogue and other positive interactions across group boundaries
People often feel most safe, comfortable, known, and needed when first grappling with the tough discussions if they are among a group of people with whom they culturally identify. With work, these spaces could ultimately transfer that sense of safety and comfort to the larger group as a whole. Affinity groups are all about creating a platform for further steps toward unity, understanding, appreciation, and respect.
