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Leading a support group can seem like an overwhelming task, but follow along with this simple checklist to cover all of the administrative tasks, and it will run much smoother down the road.
[1] Purpose of the group. Write a mission statement of 1-2 sentences so you are clear on the goal of your group.
[2] Group's description: Clearly state what problem people are coping with and how your support group will you help fix the problem or at least encourage them.
[3] Personal motives. Take some time to ask yourself "Why do I feel I am the one to lead this group?" Make sure you really want to do it, and are not just saying yes to someone because you'll feel guilty saying now, nor because you are seeking personal glory.
[4] Approval. Does your group need to receive formal approval from a higher source? If you are under an organization or company, for example, have you received their approval?
[5] Group's life expectancy. What do you see as the life of your group? Do you hope it will meet indefinitely until the need fades away, growing and changing as members define it? Or would you rather ask that people commit to the group for a certain amount of time, like four months, and then recommit if they still want to attend?
[6] Meeting frequency. How often do you plan to meet; weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly? Take into consider the schedules and lifestyles of your members. Would you prefer to have seventy percent attend one time a month or thirty percent of the member attend twice a month?
[7] Group outline. How will the time be filled? Is it to network, go through a study, have speakers from the community? What would you prefer? What will your members desire?
[8] Location. Where will you meet? Is it within a short driving distance for most people? Is it handicapped accessible? Is it comfortable for the atmosphere you desire? Will it intimidate members? Is it well lit? If it's in a large building, be sure to hang up signs and alert the receptionist about your group. Do they know where to park and are there parking fees?
[9] Attendance. Is it open or closed? Is anyone welcome at any time? Are new members welcome during a certain time period? Is membership from another organization required to qualify? For example, if it's an illness support group in a church do participants have to attend the church?
[10] Activities. Will the group be having parties, picnics, or time with family members? About how frequently?
[11] Guest guidelines. May family members or friends attend a meeting? If yes, is this alright with other members? Is it approved for only certain occasions, or any time?
[12] Projects. Would your group like to help plan activities that can help others? For example, would you group want to put together gift baskets for people who are home-bound or provide a holiday party for children of parents who are going through a difficult time?
[13] Policies. Write up some basic guidelines for the group and ask other group leaders what they would suggest you include. Some basics are a statement of privacy, the assumption that everyone will be treated with respect, how conflicts will be handled, explanations about how the group will never be a forum for commercial use, etc. If you are the leader of a support group for those with illness, you may benefit from letting people know from the start how conversations about alternative treatment will be handled. Many times people want to share their most recent "cure."
[14] Handouts. What kinds of educational or brochures will be available? Can attendees bring handouts, and if so, do they need to get advance approval from your or someone else?
[15] Exchange of personal information. Do group members want their address, phone and/or emails distributed to other members as a directory to do they want it to remain private and give it out to others themselves.
[16] Promotion. What are your plans for letting people know about your group? If your group is formed under an organization, what forms of advertising are acceptable? For example, a classified in the local paper? An announcement in the calendar section of the paper? Flyers? Is there anything not allowed that you should be aware of and do the promotional pieces need approval?
[17] Media exposure. Can you write a press release? If not, ask around to find someone qualified. Tell them about your meetings and purpose. Many people have past journalism, writing, or public relations experience that can help.
[18] Videotaping or photos. Will your group allow you to videotape the sessions so people who cannot attend can enjoy hearing special speakers, etc. When should the camera be on? Off? Do they need to sign a release? Will any of it be posted online? Will they allow photos for the media?
[19] What promotional pieces do you need and who will design them? Posters, flyers, business cards, and stickers, can all be helpful.
[20] Online communication. Would your group like to have a "hub" on the internet to exchange information and encourage one another between group meetings. Would they prefer something simple like just exchanging emails, or are they comfortable using a social network group like Ning?
[21] Online web site. Could your group reap the benefits of having a web site where you can to post a calendar of events, resource links, announcements, and more? You can design a simple blog for all of this information in a few hours for free. If you set up a web site you can easily share information you find online with your attendees from other resources or organizations. Through links, RSS feeds, online radio programs and more, your group can have a wealth of support that you cannot provide on your own.
[1] Purpose of the group. Write a mission statement of 1-2 sentences so you are clear on the goal of your group.
[2] Group's description: Clearly state what problem people are coping with and how your support group will you help fix the problem or at least encourage them.
[3] Personal motives. Take some time to ask yourself "Why do I feel I am the one to lead this group?" Make sure you really want to do it, and are not just saying yes to someone because you'll feel guilty saying now, nor because you are seeking personal glory.
[4] Approval. Does your group need to receive formal approval from a higher source? If you are under an organization or company, for example, have you received their approval?
[5] Group's life expectancy. What do you see as the life of your group? Do you hope it will meet indefinitely until the need fades away, growing and changing as members define it? Or would you rather ask that people commit to the group for a certain amount of time, like four months, and then recommit if they still want to attend?
[6] Meeting frequency. How often do you plan to meet; weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly? Take into consider the schedules and lifestyles of your members. Would you prefer to have seventy percent attend one time a month or thirty percent of the member attend twice a month?
[7] Group outline. How will the time be filled? Is it to network, go through a study, have speakers from the community? What would you prefer? What will your members desire?
[8] Location. Where will you meet? Is it within a short driving distance for most people? Is it handicapped accessible? Is it comfortable for the atmosphere you desire? Will it intimidate members? Is it well lit? If it's in a large building, be sure to hang up signs and alert the receptionist about your group. Do they know where to park and are there parking fees?
[9] Attendance. Is it open or closed? Is anyone welcome at any time? Are new members welcome during a certain time period? Is membership from another organization required to qualify? For example, if it's an illness support group in a church do participants have to attend the church?
[10] Activities. Will the group be having parties, picnics, or time with family members? About how frequently?
[11] Guest guidelines. May family members or friends attend a meeting? If yes, is this alright with other members? Is it approved for only certain occasions, or any time?
[12] Projects. Would your group like to help plan activities that can help others? For example, would you group want to put together gift baskets for people who are home-bound or provide a holiday party for children of parents who are going through a difficult time?
[13] Policies. Write up some basic guidelines for the group and ask other group leaders what they would suggest you include. Some basics are a statement of privacy, the assumption that everyone will be treated with respect, how conflicts will be handled, explanations about how the group will never be a forum for commercial use, etc. If you are the leader of a support group for those with illness, you may benefit from letting people know from the start how conversations about alternative treatment will be handled. Many times people want to share their most recent "cure."
[14] Handouts. What kinds of educational or brochures will be available? Can attendees bring handouts, and if so, do they need to get advance approval from your or someone else?
[15] Exchange of personal information. Do group members want their address, phone and/or emails distributed to other members as a directory to do they want it to remain private and give it out to others themselves.
[16] Promotion. What are your plans for letting people know about your group? If your group is formed under an organization, what forms of advertising are acceptable? For example, a classified in the local paper? An announcement in the calendar section of the paper? Flyers? Is there anything not allowed that you should be aware of and do the promotional pieces need approval?
[17] Media exposure. Can you write a press release? If not, ask around to find someone qualified. Tell them about your meetings and purpose. Many people have past journalism, writing, or public relations experience that can help.
[18] Videotaping or photos. Will your group allow you to videotape the sessions so people who cannot attend can enjoy hearing special speakers, etc. When should the camera be on? Off? Do they need to sign a release? Will any of it be posted online? Will they allow photos for the media?
[19] What promotional pieces do you need and who will design them? Posters, flyers, business cards, and stickers, can all be helpful.
[20] Online communication. Would your group like to have a "hub" on the internet to exchange information and encourage one another between group meetings. Would they prefer something simple like just exchanging emails, or are they comfortable using a social network group like Ning?
[21] Online web site. Could your group reap the benefits of having a web site where you can to post a calendar of events, resource links, announcements, and more? You can design a simple blog for all of this information in a few hours for free. If you set up a web site you can easily share information you find online with your attendees from other resources or organizations. Through links, RSS feeds, online radio programs and more, your group can have a wealth of support that you cannot provide on your own.
About the Author:
To read the remaining 22-35 vital steps visit Lisa Copen's chronic illness and pain support social network for leaders of support groups. Be prepared for the hurdles. Read Lisa's book, 'So You Want to Start a Chronic Illness Pain Ministry: 10 Essentials to Make it Work" at Comfort Zone Books or Amazon.com.
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