Course Highlights
This course will:
- Identify the benefits and risks associated with affinity groups.
- Explore the maturity continuum that cultural equity teams and affinity groups typically experience.
- Describe the optimal conditions for effective cultural equity teams and affinity group performance.
- Guide participants in defining a group’s purpose and goals.
- Highlight the importance of data and measurement in supporting group initiatives.
- Provide tools for structuring questions, practicing deliberate listening, and balancing conversations.
- Teach strategies for building trust, reducing risk, and acknowledging diverse perspectives.
Course Overview
“Facilitating Affinity Group Meetings: Driving Inclusion Through Targeted Discussions” is a two-hour virtual training program created to furnish facilitators with the tools and techniques to lead affinity group meetings effectively. Affinity groups play a crucial role in driving inclusion and equity by creating spaces for shared experiences and targeted discussions. However, facilitating these meetings requires a delicate balance of purpose, structure, and inclusivity.
The session begins by examining the benefits and risks of affinity groups, highlighting their potential to create positive change and discussing the pitfalls that can hinder their progress. Participants will explore the maturity continuum most cultural equity teams and affinity groups move through, identifying the conditions that foster optimal performance.
Next, participants will learn how to define a group’s purpose and goals, emphasizing the importance of data and measurement to support decision-making and track progress. The program also provides practical tools for structuring effective discussions, including techniques for deliberate listening, balancing conversations, and addressing tense or challenging topics.
The course concludes with actionable strategies for building trust, reducing risk, and acknowledging different points of view to ensure productive and inclusive discussions. By the end of the training, participants will be equipped to facilitate affinity group meetings that drive meaningful and lasting inclusion.
Program Objectives
At this program’s conclusion, participants should be able to:
- Identify the benefits and risks of affinity groups.
- Discuss the maturity continuum most cultural equity teams and affinity groups move through.
- Describe the typical conditions that exist when cultural equity teams and affinity groups perform at their best.
- Define a group’s purpose and goals.
- Explain the importance of data and measurement.
- Identify areas for exploration, discussion, and action.
- Structure questions effectively.
- Practice deliberate listening.
- Balance conversations.
- Build trust and reduce risk.
- Acknowledge different points of view.
Program Modules
- Defining Voice: What Affinity Groups Can and Can’t Do
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Identifying Measurements
- The Right Direction: Proceeding with Purpose
- Listening with Purpose: Confirming, Validating, and Probing
- Tense Talks: Facilitating Skills for Tough Times
Target Audience
This virtual training program is designed for groups that want to:
- Improve their facilitation skills for leading affinity group discussions.
- Learn strategies to foster inclusion and equity through structured meetings.
- Develop tools for building trust, managing risk, and balancing diverse perspectives.
Suggested Format
- Two-Hour Virtual Training Course
Questions This Page Answers About Affinity Group Facilitation Training
- Where can I find a training program for facilitating affinity group discussions?
- Who offers affinity group facilitation training?
- How can we build trust and foster inclusivity in our affinity group meetings?