Starting A Support Group

Some first steps in starting a support groups, whether for adoptive parents or for adopted persons, follow:

1. Evaluate the need -
   Is there already a support group in your area? Is there a need known for such a group in your area? If you don't find one, or can't find one where you're comfortable, you may want to consider starting your own.



2. Do a self evaluation before signing on a support group leader:
   • Do you have the time necessary to plan and publicize the meetings, coordinate special events, and talk with individual members who call with problems?
   • Are you committed to attending the meetings, even if you're having a bad day?
   • Do you feel comfortable in front of a group?
   • Are you able to be assertive enough keep the meeting on track, while being kind enough to create a supportive environment?
   • Do you maintain a positive, encouraging and hopeful attitude?
   • Are you a good listener?



3. Seek a co-facilitator
   Leading a support group is a lot of work. No matter how dedicated you are, there will be times when you cannot attend the meeting. You need to have one or two people you can depend on to back you up. Another advantage to having a co-leader is that you can split the responsibilities, both behind the scenes and at the meetings. A good co-leader should have the same qualities as a good leader and you should agree on the philosophy and goals for your group.



4. Go back to the basics
   Just like a reporter, you need to answer the five Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why.
   • Who is to be included in this group, all members of the triad, parents of children with special needs, kinship providers? What are you going to call the group? The name should identify the purpose of the group.
   • When are you going to meet? Meetings can be quarterly, every other month, monthly, or even weekly. Start with fewer meetings and increase the frequency as you are able and the need demands. You also need to determine a consistent day of the week and time of day you want to meet. Finally, you'll need to decide how long your meetings will be. An hour and a half to two hours is generally accepted as workable.
   • Where are you going to meet? Some smaller groups meet in a home, but generally its better to pick a public place. Often hospitals, libraries or churches will allow you to use one of their meeting rooms at no charge.
   • Why are you forming a support group? This may be the most important question of all. What is the purpose of your group? Most groups want to educate and encourage members. Beyond that, do you want to spread awareness in your community? This is the time to set your beginning goals for the group. Again, start small and expand your goals as your members express an interest and show a willingness to participate in other areas.



5. Set a Meeting Format
   The meeting format should be a comfortable fit for you and your members. A simple format:
   • Welcome, announcements – 15 min.
   • Program, speaker – 45 min.
   • Questions, discussion – 30 min.
   
   Or
   
   • Welcome, announcements – 15 min.
   • Round table with participants having a chance to individually speak about parenting or other issues 45 minutes
   • Questions, discussion – 30 min
   
   Or
   
   • Welcome, Introduction of a topic such as Parenting a child Diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder – 20 min.
   • Guess expert provides parenting tips – 30 minutes
   • Discussion facilitated with participants – 40 minutes



6. Publicize Your Meetings
   • Check your local newspaper to see if they have a section for meeting and event announcements.
   • Some radio stations, particularly in smaller towns, will announce meetings and events for local service groups.
   • Design a simple flier announcing your meetings, make copies and ask permission to distribute or post it at area hospitals, pharmacies, doctors' offices and public bulletin boards.
   • Look for online outlets where you can list your meetings. You might consider setting up a personal webpage. Also, some advocacy groups list support group information on their sites. Look around for message boards where you can make announcements as well.