Each affinity group must have an ELCA connection or be an ecumenical partner.
 

Each affinity group must have a rural and small town orientation.
 

An affinity group needs to meet at least once a year.
 

Quarterly updates on the affinity group activity should be sent to the "weaver."
 

An affinity group needs to be sponsored by the synod or an ELCA regional coordinator and have this relationship renewed annually. (This does not mean financial support is required nor does it mean synod or regional staff support is required.)
 

The affinity group should have a common interest that impacts small town and rural life.
 

The common interest of the affinity group should support the current ELCA mission or seek to shape the ELCA mission through the reality of small town and rural life. In addition, affinity groups need to be guided by ELCA social statements.
 

An affinity group needs to meet one of the criteria of the ELCA STaR Ministry Alliance vision statement. The criteria are:
a) Work for economic justice, alleviate and prevent poverty;
b) Embrace diversity, promote harmony, challenge discrimination in all its forms;
c) Care for the land and all of God’s creation;
d) Create a forum for raising rural issues for moral deliberation and advocacy;
e) Evangelize the un-churched and reach all with the good news of God’s love and care through Jesus Christ;
f) Develop and nurture leadership for small town and rural churches and communities;
g) Support and sustain small town and rural communities and congregations.
 

Representative(s) from each affinity group should attend the annual meeting of the STaR Ministry Alliance.
 

While the common interest for the affinity group is determined by the group, the ELCA STaR Ministry Alliance will have at least four affinity groups that address the following four issues (economics; resources and the environment; leadership development; and community infrastructure such as education, social services, healthcare, etc.)