A Checklist of 36 Stepsto Starting an EffectiveSupport Group

by Lisa Copen

Leading a support group can seem like anoverwhelming task, but follow along withthis simple checklist to cover all of theadministrative tasks, and it will run muchsmoother down the road.[1] Purpose of your group. Sit down and work on a mission statement of 1-2 sentences soyou understand what your actual goal is for the group.[2] Group description. What exactly is the problem people are dealing with and how doyou intend to try to help fix it through your support group?[3] Personal reasons for leading the group. What is it that makes you feel that you arecalled to lead this group? Is it something you feel a personal passion for, and notsomething your being pressured into? Lead it for the right reasons. If you are doing it for personal glory you will likely be disappointed.[4] Approval. Do you need to seek formal approval from an organization, church, or company, that you are leading the group on behalf of?[5] Life of the group. What is your ideal length of the group's life? Not every group has tolast forever. You may choose to meet for an indefinite amount of time, and then have itgrow and change as members express their needs. Or, you may choose to ask people tocommit for a certain period of time, and then recommit if they still want to meet after thedate?[6] Frequency of meetings. How often do you want to meet? Weekly, bi-monthly,monthly? Consider the schedules of the participants. Would you rather have seventy percent show up once per month or thirty percent twice per month?[7] Group outline. How will the time at your meeting be filled? Do you wish to have timeallotted for people to share, pray, or network? Do you plan to go through a study or willyou have speakers from your community come to share their expertise? What is your preference and your attendees?[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 itintimidate 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 parkingfees?[9] Attendance. Is it open or closed? Is anyone welcome at any time? Are new memberswelcome during a certain time period? Is membership from another organization requiredto qualify? For example, if it's an illness support group in a church do participants have toattend the church?[10] Activities. Will the group be having parties, picnics, or time with family members?About how frequently?[11] Guests. Can family members or friends come to the meetings? If the answer is yes, isthis okay with other members? Is all right on occasion only, or on a regular basis?[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 difficulttime?[13] Policies. Have you written up some basic guidelines for the group? They shouldcontain: a privacy statement, the expectation that everyone will be treated respect, how tohandle conflicts, that the group is not for commercial use, etc. If you are an illnesssupport group, you may want to be specific about how you will handle alternativetreatment discussions and people's desire to share their most recent "cure."[14] Handouts. What brochures or other educational pieces will you have available? Cananyone bring handouts? Do they need approved in advance?[15] Exchange of personal information. Do group members want their address, phoneand/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. How do you plan to promote your group? If it's formed under theumbrella of another organization, what kind of approval do you need to advertise or usetheir name? Understand the specifics about what is acceptable or not. For example, areclassified ads in the local paper, or an announcement in the paper in the calendar sectionokay? Is it okay to post the flyers around town. Make sure you know exactly what promotional pieces need advanced approval.[17] Media exposure. Can you write a press release? If not, be sure to find someone whocan help! Explain the logistics about your group meetings, as well as the purpose for thegroup. If there are certain group members who may be willing to be interviewed by a journalists at some point in the future, keep that in mind.[18] Videotaping or photos. It can be helpful to videotape the group meetings for peoplewho are not able to attend so they can hear guest speakers, etc. Inform your attendees so

they can choose to sit in view or out of view of the camera. Know when conversation is personal and the camera needs to be turned off. If you aren't sure how you will use thetape, have participants sign a release form. Don't post it online without permission fromthose who are on the tape. Are attendees comfortable having photos for the media, for example, if a journalist wants a photo of the group for a local story.[19] What kinds of promotional pieces do you need to help promote the group and whocan design them? Things like posters, flyers, business cards, and stickers, can all be veryuseful in spreading the word about your group. Ask if anyone does design or digitalscrapbooking for help and ideas.[20] Online communication. Would your group like to have a "hub" on the internet toexchange information and encourage one another between group meetings. Would they prefer something simple like just exchanging emails, or are they comfortable using asocial network group like Ning?[21] Online web site. It's easy to set up a simple web site using free blog software online.This can be a great place to post your groups' calendar of events, links of resources,announcements, etc. You can also share online information with your group from other organizations and web sites as well. Use RSS feeds, links to online radio programs, andmore. This can quickly give your group the support that they may need that you may not be able to provide on our own.[22] Phone use. Are people comfortable with you calling them to remind them of meetings, etc. Is there a time of day you should not call? Is it okay to leave a message?Do their family members typically give them messages?[23] Contacting the leader. How do you want people to contact you to receiveinformation? Phone, web page, email, etc? What’s the fastest way for you to respond?How long will it typically take you to respond to people?[24] Expenses. How do you plan to cover expenses for things like room rental, snacks, photocopies, welcome folders, etc. Are people comfortable with a donation jar or amembership fee such as a $10 donation? Is there another way to raise funds withoutasking your members for the money?[25] Assistance for the leader. Who will be helping you? Who can assist you in setting up,running errands, and making phone calls? Don’t plan on taking on all of theresponsibilities yourself. You will need the help and should give others the opportunity to be involved in this level with the group.[26] Welcome packet. Put together a folder of information, such as your missionstatement, guidelines, helpful handouts, and contact information for new members. Youcan find examples online about what to put in a your packet and you can update them anytime with fresh resources.