Affinity Central has been supported by many people. Shannon and Tom have had leading roles since its inception in February 2023 and currently take primary responsibility for it. We have both been involved in Regenerative Culture Working Groups for Extinction Rebellion since 2019. We have participated in many direct actions, in a variety of roles, including support crew, arrestees and police liaison. We have led entry-level trainings in most aspects of Extinction Rebellion’s work, including action planning, action roles, nonviolent direct action, self-organising systems, nonviolent communication, regenerative culture and meeting facilitation.
Shannon works as a psychologist, dealing extensively with childhood trauma. They have researched Islamic culture and lived in Indonesia. Shannon currently facilitates Deep Ecology practices in Sydney.
Tom Colley has a history in environmental management for local government, and in research in building social capacity for dealing with environmental crisis. He has five years experience in Reevaluation Counseling (peer-to-peer counseling) and has engaged in Deep Ecology practices as both participant and facilitator.