How to Start a Support Group

Support groups serve a vital service by bringing people together of like interest providing them an opportunity to share their ideas and common interests. Starting a support group can either easy or difficult. Much depends on location, subject of interest, and availability of potential members.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

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   group

   If the support group is going to be online, Web sites similar to meetup(dot)com provide an opportunity for members to communicate and schedule online. Additionally, members can use the resources of the Web site to meet in person for activities.

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   Some support groups are easier to start than others. If one is a member of a 12-Step organization, a framework exists where it is very easy to start new meetings. Since members of the organization already exist, drawing new members to a new meeting is convenient. Some support groups may be difficult to start such as ones involving an obscure hobby. Perhaps, it would be difficult to find interested potential members. Additionally, perhaps a selected location or time to meet may be inconvenient for members.

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   Once a support group is started issues regarding running the group become important. Will leadership be rotational? Will leadership be divide by task. For example, does one member handle finances for the group and other coordinate rent with the meeting place provider in cases where there are expenses.

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   group

   Will the support group meet temporarily? Perhaps, you want to get fellow students together in Grad. school to form a study group. Chances are great that the group will disband when the study program is completed by most members. Starting a temporary support group is also a great way to see if a group would work out for the long term.

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   group

   What is an optimal number of members? For a study group a small group of about four people would be very helpful. However, a recovery group can vary in size from two members to sixty. A group formed in support of arts or crafts may be limited by work space available. A travel group may depend on what type of trips are taken and transportation available.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine the purpose of the support group before you get it started. Also decide on your membership requirements.
• Are there other groups that offer the same services?
• Is someone dedicated enough to be a contact person for the group?
• Do you want to maintain a confidential membership list with contact information?
• Does the group have a consistent place and time to meet?
• Do you want to have a closed group or open group allowing other people to join?
• Will there be a membership fee or additional costs?
• Do you have any long term plans for the group?
• Do you want to advertise?

Resources

• How to Create an Unsafe 12-Step Support Group

[cherold598]

on 1/30/2009 Great tips, D. Everyone can use a support group. 5*