Whether or not you are planning to do civil disobedience, it is important to either form an affinity group or join an already existing one.
Affinity groups serve as a source of support and solidarity for their members.
Feelings of being isolated from the movement, the crowd, or the world in general can be alleviated through the familiarity and trust which develops when an affinity group works and acts together. By generating this familiarity the affinity group structure reduces the possibility of infiltration by outside provocateurs. Affinity groups also provide a small space where consensus process can work best, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to discuss their participation in the action. Affinity groups will form the basic decision-making bodies of the action. As long as they remain within the nonviolent action guidelines and have attended a nonviolence preparation, affinity groups are encouraged to develop any form of participation they choose.