New Group Proposal

New Group Proposal
Thank you for your interest in starting a new group at Affirmations. We are currently working through our existing queue of proposals and redeveloping our group processes. As a result, we will not be reviewing new group proposals until October 2025. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mister at mwhitfield@goaffirmations.org

Your Contact Information
Thank you for your interest in starting a new group at Affirmations! Please note that this form is for community members who wish to start and lead a new group. If you have feedback or suggestions on new groups that you would like us to host, but do not wish to lead it, please email Mister at mwhitfield@goaffirmations.org.

The Affirmations' Programs Team starts new group development on a quarterly basis.

Proposals that are submitted in January, June, and December may experience delays in the review process.

Submission of this form does not guarantee that the group will be approved. Turn around time for the full review process is dependent on the time of year, number of submissions, and current program schedules. Upon submitting the form, you can expect someone to reach out to you within 1 full business week informing you of next steps.
Name*

First NameLast NamePronouns
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Before proceeding, please confirm that you are proposing a group that you intend to lead. If this is not the case, and you instead would like to make a suggestion for a group that you would like Affirmations to host, please do not submit this form and instead reach out to Mister at mwhitfield@goaffirmations.org.*

I understand.

Group Type

Please read the following information to identify the type of group you are proposing.
Affirmations Group

You are a community member that is seeking:
- Regular use of a meeting room,
- Access to shared community resources like virtual meeting platforms,
- Marketing support (graphic design, social media, and website),
- Facilitator training,
- Group mediation/de-escalation of conflicts, and
- Staff management of community inquiries about the group.
Partner Group

You are an organization that is seeking:
- Regular use of a meeting room,
- Access to shared community resources like virtual meeting platforms,
- Marketing support (graphic design, social media, and website),
- Facilitator training,
- Group mediation/de-escalation of conflicts, and
- Staff management of community inquiries about the group.
Affiliate Group

You are an organization that is seeking:
- Regular, PAID use of a meeting room, and
- Website promotion.
Please select your group type.*

Affirmations GroupPartner GroupAffiliate Group

Group Details
Affirmations encourages community members to propose new and engaging groups in service of the Queer and Trans communities. This proposal form is designed to ensure new groups are servicing the community equitably and effectively. New group proposals are reviewed and approved at the discrection of Affirmations' Program Staff.
Proposed Group Name*
Affirmations hosts 3 categories of groups:
- Support: A group centered in encouraging peer support and resource sharing for a specific identity, shared experience, challenge, or concern.
- Activity: A group centered on a specific project, hobby, or interest area.
- Social: A group centered in discussion and exploration of community for a specific identity or shared experience.
What category does your group fall under?*

SupportActivitySocial
In a few sentences, please describe the purpose of this group, the target audience, and the unmet community need it addresses.*
Goal Setting

We ask that you provide 2-3 goals that will support the sustainability and strength of the group.

When answering the next question, please utilize the framework of a 'SMARTIE' goal:
- Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. The goal should be straightforward and emphasize what you want to happen.
- Measurable: Ensure that the goal can be tracked and measured. This will help you determine whether or not you are making progress.
- Achievable: Set goals that are realistic and attainable. While it’s important to aim high, the goal should still be within reach.
- Relevant: The goal should be aligned with the purpose of the group and Affirmations' mission.
- Time-bound: Establish a clear deadline or timeframe for achieving the goal. This should be within the first 6 months of the group starting.
- Inclusive: Ensure that the goal considers the needs of community members, particularly those who are traditionally underserved.
- Equitable: Focus on fairness and justice, aiming to reduce disparities.
Please list 2-3 goals here.*

Facilitator Specifications
Facilitators of groups are required to comply with Affirmations' Volunteer Facilitator Handbook and all policies and procedures listed within.

Facilitators also agree to:
- Teach and model cultural & behavioral sensitivity and awareness.
- Create, plan, advertise and implement an established group schedule.
- Model group rules, manage minor violations, and guide meetings.
- Communicate effectively with Center Guests and Affirmations’ Staff.
- Report to Program Staff suspected and/or potential violence, criminal activity, and self harm.
- Refrain from presenting personal political views while representing Affirmations.
- Be professional by not discussing Affirmations’ confidential business in public spaces and via social media.
Who would be facilitating the group? Please list the name and email addresses of any and all proposed facilitators. *
In the following questions please describe individual experience and/or training that qualifies the proposed facilitator(s) to facilitate the group. This information should include any personal or professional experience that connects back to facilitation and the purpose of the group. Strong preference is given to facilitators who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Therapeutic support groups should be facilitated by a skilled facilitator (ideally a licensed professional); Health and/or nutrition focused groups should be co-facilitated by a health/wellness professional; Harm reduction groups should be facilitated by someone with training and ideally lived experience related to the subject matter).
Please detail the proposed facilitators' background and experiences as it relates to the GROUP'S PURPOSE.*
Please detail the proposed facilitators' professional background as it relates to GROUP FACILITATION.*

Logistics & Structure
How would this group meet?*

In-person (at Affirmations)Virtual (Google Meets)Hybrid (both in-person and virtual)
How will community members join this group?*

Just show up! (Most common approach.)Register using a link or by contacting a facilitatorOther
How long do you want your group meetings to be?*
Example: 1 hour
How often do you want the group to meet?*
Example: Once monthly
What day/time do you want the group to meet? Please provide at least 3 options. (Affirmations is open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. All groups must end by 8:30pm.)*
Example: 1st Saturdays at 4pm
How would you describe this group in 1-2 sentences for marketing (social media posts, flyers, etc)?*
Would this group require any supplies? If so, please list them.*
In order for this proposal to be considered, we will need 5 messages of support from community members who would be interested in joining this group. Please share the link below with them.

https://goaffirmations.jotform.com/251196027574965
I have shared or will share this form with at least 5 people and understand that my proposal will not be complete until they are submitted.
Should be Empty:

New Group Proposal

Your Contact Information

Group Type

Group Details

Facilitator Specifications

Logistics & Structure

In order for this proposal to be considered, we will need 5 messages of support from community members who would be interested in joining this group. Please share the link below with them.