As activists committed to nonviolence prepare for large, coordinated actions with potential for confrontation or other challenges outside of their control, they form and train in groups sometimes called affinity groups. The purpose is to ensure that everyone is well-known by some and will have some to count on for immediate care and concern, and to encourage inclusive, collaborative thinking among acquainted people. It's common sense for uncommon situations.
If you use the SCI site, have registered and wish to participate in any of the groups, it's a good idea to create a profile, if only to provide a way (an e-mail address, specifically) for others to communicate with you alone, directly.
In October, two people have requested membership in Woburn Local and are in limbo, so to speak, because I, the group founder, cannot contact them to inquire about their understanding and interests. Out of respect for them, I won't even mention their site names, but I sure hope they see this.
With gasoline priced over $4.00 a gallon and heating oil approaching $5.00 a gallon, many of us are making adjustments. We are reacting to these unfamiliar realities and their many effects, which are anything but static.
WGBH radio proclaims it is Boston's arts and culture station. SCI reports that during 2006-2007, it systematically queried the people of Woburn and learned that above all other realistic improvements they want more arts and cultural opportunities in the city. SCI subsequently received a grant to spur efforts to deliver them.
