We can know a lot more about who we are, as a community, and weave ourselves together into a strong, brightly-colored fabric. Dozens of communities already have. They just listen to the ideas and concerns of their neighbors. This simple act can produce unexpectedly powerful results. Because those networks overlap, the effort can include virtually everyone, with no central control.
Affinity groups are intimate activist groups who get trained in action and decision-making.
Even as they work on their diverse issues, affinity groups can prepare with each other as a network for rapid-response emergency community action, as well. The process used is an advanced, highly creative form of facilitated consensus. A new group is convened once or twice a year. Results are publicized through the media, as well as to citizens and officials in every way possible, for further dialogue and action. Quality of Life Indicators - Communities across the country are creating their own statistics to measure their quality of life, and then setting up the means to track these.