A number of affinity groups may work together toward a common goal in a large action, or one affinity group might conceive of and carry out an action on its own. Affinity groups are composed of people who have existing ties or who have been brought together at a nonviolence training.
Affinity groups form the basic decision-making bodies of mass direct actions.
They are usually considered autonomous, independently entitled to develop any form of participation they choose, as long as they remain within the action guidelines. A large action can have several clusters of affinity groups all working together. In large actions, affinity groups usually send spokespersons to a spokescouncil meeting, to communicate and coordinate the different groups' decisions and then bring the coordinated information or proposal back to their respective groups for their final discussion and approval. Affinity groups also serve as a source of support for their members and reinforce a sense of solidarity. They provide a solution to the sense of isolation or separation that can occur when individuals act alone.