Civic Engagement: How Affinity Groups Have Become the MVP of the 2024 Election Cycle

With the stakes sky high, and the future of democracy on the line, a powerful grassroots movement is taking place that’s influencing the 2024 Election—one led by affinity groups. 

By harnessing the power of collective identity, they haven’t just mobilized—affinity groups are redefining modern civic engagement, and have become the unsung MVPs of the election.

Affinity groups are communities, united by shared identities and values. While traditional political strategies stumbled amid public mistrust and fatigue, affinity groups have risen to the occasion. They have transformed from merely being safe spaces for shared interests, into powerful engines of political change. They aren’t just showing up—they are mobilizing, organizing, and fundamentally providing a blueprint for how to engage citizens in a meaningful and impactful way.

How Affinity Groups Stepped Up

From the very beginning of the election cycle, affinity groups demonstrated that they are prepared for the long haul. Planning well in advance, they haven’t waited for outcomes—they’ve created them. 

Black women, for instance, gathered en masse on Zoom and raised over $1 million in support of Vice President Kamala Harris within hours of her endorsement as the Democratic nominee. Black men followed suit, creating an unprecedented wave of support that was quickly emulated by other groups like South Asian women, Latinas, LGBTQIA+ folks, white dudes, Catholics, single cat ladies, and many, many more​. 

But this didn’t happen by accident. Affinity groups had already been doing the work, building coalitions, and maintaining a steady focus on issues of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI), long before election day. 

Where resources have often been scarce, these groups learned the lesson that waiting is not an option—and they have acted accordingly.

Being Proactive Was Key

The hallmark of affinity groups in the 2024 election is their ability to plan for every scenario. Affinity groups have offered a clear and consistent message about checking registration status to ensure everyone can claim their most basic right of citizenship—the right to vote. With the looming possibility of delayed or contested results, they also know burnout could easily take hold. To avoid that, they aren’t just reacting to the political climate; they are being proactive at every turn. By being nimble, adaptive, and well-organized, these groups have successfully anticipated challenges and worked around them.

The lesson here is simple: being prepared is a form of power. Rather than waiting to see how the political landscape will unfold, affinity groups have taken control of the narrative, and are ensuring their voices are not just heard but felt across the election cycle.

Brave Spaces, Not Safe Spaces

The power of affinity groups lies in their ability to create brave spaces—environments where individuals can be vulnerable, learn from one another, and strategize for societal change. These are spaces where tough conversations lead to real action. 

Contrary to what many people think, these are not places where people seek comfort in sameness, but rather spaces that encourage difficult, necessary dialogue. Through shared experiences and open discussions, members grapple with their roles in the larger societal context that allows them to strategize for collective action.

During the election season, affinity groups haven’t shied away from the political fray; instead, they’ve stayed above the fray. They know that issues like racial equity, economic justice, and immigration are not merely political talking points—they are human issues that transcend partisanship. And by standing firmly in their values, these groups are influencing policies and voter behavior in ways that no traditional campaign could.

The Power of Collective Action

Affinity groups have shown that their true strength lies in their ability to foster collective action. As our Executive Director Michelle Molitor puts it, "We go inward so that we can figure out now how to be in solidarity with other people and to move it forward without shying away from the hard stuff." This introspection allows affinity group members to understand their roles and how they can contribute to a larger cause.

When affinity groups first emerged, there was a lot of fear about potential divisiveness. Critics were worried that these groups might create spaces for people to become embittered and further distance themselves from others. However, when thoughtfully implemented through the example set by Black women, affinity groups can actually build a better understanding among members. The key is to ensure that these groups come together to build skills, collaborate, and create a coalition.

The Future of Civic Engagement

If the 2024 election cycle has proven anything, it’s that affinity groups are here to stay. They have shown that by fostering collective identity and staying rooted in action, they can move mountains—even in the most uncertain of times. Affinity groups have provided a blueprint for what sustained, values-driven movements can achieve, and their impact in this election will only serve as a foundation for the future.

For REDI leaders and organizations, the path forward is clear: build and nurture affinity groups. By doing so, you are not just creating a space for personal growth—you are building the next wave of political change-makers. Affinity groups have proven to be the unsung MVPs of the election, and their influence will only grow from here.

The Equity Lab uses affinity spaces to create supportive environments where individuals who share common identities or experiences can gather for reflection, dialogue, and mutual support. These spaces allow participants to explore personal and collective experiences related to race, identity, and equity in a brave, affirming setting. Affinity spaces provide an opportunity for deeper connection, healing, and growth by centering the voices of those from marginalized communities, ensuring that participants feel seen, heard, and valued in their shared pursuit of social change. 

Want to learn more about how The Equity Lab uses affinity and caucus space to build community and coalition, connect with our team and let’s talk about what we can do together.