Where to start:
Find place to meet
Hospitals, churches, restaurant and etc.
Ask doctor for help
Start with personal doctor treating illness
Where to find people:
Advertise - for free
Local newspaper - Call and ask for health editor
Small town or independent newspapers - contact editor
Contact TV stations
Talk to health care reporter
Supply non-technical information to all
Educate them to get their attention to want to do a story on subject
Make Business cards
Contact person and phone number
Meeting time and day
Web address and e-mail address
Take to doctor offices
Take to other healthcare offices
Planning:
Stay Flexible
Unable to predict who or how many will attend
Guest Speakers
Visit other group meetings, seminars and conferences to listen to speakers
Pick speakers knowledgeable about your supports group's interest.
Don't just have speakers on the certain disease. Invite also speakers that
deal with other issues that affect the patient and can help them to "learn"
how to cope with their illness or problem.
Be careful of people who want to push or sell a product or service.
The Meeting
Have refreshments, ask for at least two volunteers a month to bring refreshments
Seating:
Depends on chair arrangements in meeting room
If able put in circle for group discussion especially when new people are attending
Some rooms have tables. This can be helpful for guest speakers.
Participation:
Everyone has to have the opportunity to speak.
Not everyone may want to speak but it's good idea to acknowledge them and give them the option
Have open discussions meetings or topic discussions when there are no guest speakers.
Plan events or activities that people in the group can participate in.
Conferences
Going out to a restaurant
Plan to meet at the movies,etc
Holiday celebrations
Ask for suggestions for guest speakers, topics or projects.
Have projects where people can use their skills and experience.
This can help people to build their self-esteem and confidence.
Misc. Tips:
Write mission statement.
A reminder of why the support group was established in the first place.
Helps to keep everyone focused on primary goals.
Lets people know what the purpose of the group is
Don't get hung up on titles and politics
Bring together people who have similar ideas, drive, determination and dedication to help get the group going and to keep it going.
Everyone has talents and resources. Let people use them.
Importance of a Mission Statement
A Mission Statement has an important role in a support group. It can be the beacon to keep the group on course of what it wants to accomplish. Write the Mission Statement to reflect why the support group was formed. It may be adjusted later on after group is more established.
Tips for a Successful Meeting
Encourage family and friends to attend.
Allow time for social time. People learn from talking to each other.
Include positive things in your meeting. Projecting positive energy draws positive energy.
Include Laughter it¹s good medicine.
Have refreshments. Ask for volunteers or form a refreshment committee.
Give everyone a chance to speak. It is the person¹s choice to speak or not.
Have guest speakers on a variety of subjects.
Send out reminder cards for the support group meetings.
Phone others to remind them of meetings and special events.
Meeting Ideas
Speakers on support group interests
Ex. RSD, Cancer, Diabetics
Treatment options
Coping skills
Disablity Issues
Social Security
Workers Compensation
Doctor Patient Relationship
Improving Communication
Gadgets that help a person make it through the day
Self-defense
Open discussions
Insurance information
Drugs and their side effects
Acupuncture
Nutrition
Physical Therapy
Alternative Treatments
