Online StoreEasy Checklist For Organizing a Support Groups
[1] Group’s purpose. Spend a few minutes writing a 1-2 sentence mission statement to help you clarify your goals.
[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] Life of the group. How long do you wish the group to last? Do you want it to meet indefinitely and grow and change as members desire? Or would you prefer to ask people to commit for a period of time, like four months, and then recommit if they still want to meet?
[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] Outline of the group outline. How will you fill the time? Do you want people to network with one another, work their way through a study or workbook, listen to speakers from the community, or a mixture of all of this? What do you believe your members will 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. Would the group like to have a party, such as a picnic or time together with family members? How frequently?
[11] Guests. Can family members or friends come to the meetings? If the answer is yes, is this 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 difficult time?
[13] Policies. Have you written up some basic guidelines for the group? They should contain: a privacy statement, the expectation that everyone will be treated respect, how to handle conflicts, that the group is not for commercial use, etc. If you are an illness support group, you may want to be specific about how you will handle alternative treatment discussions and people’s desire to share their most recent “cure.”
[14] Handouts. What brochures or other educational pieces will you have available? Can anyone bring handouts? Do they need approved in advance?
[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. How do you plan to promote your group? If it’s formed under the umbrella of another organization, what kind of approval do you need to advertise or use their name? Understand the specifics about what is acceptable or not. For example, are classified ads in the local paper, or an announcement in the paper in the calendar section okay? 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, 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 kinds of promotional pieces do you need to help promote the group and who can design them? Things like posters, flyers, business cards, and stickers, can all be very useful in spreading the word about your group. Ask if anyone does design or digital scrapbooking for help and ideas.
[20] Online communication. Would your group benefit from a “hub” on the interent, where they can exchange information and encouragement? You can just use an email group to encourage one another, or you can use a social network with many options such as 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, and more. This can quickly give your group the support that they may need that you may not be able to provide on our own.
