A Checklist for Starting a Support Group

by Lisa Copen

Beginning a support group shouldn't be a task you take on that overwhelms you. But if you aren't prepared, many obstacles can come up that can threaten the environment of your group. Follow along with this simple checklist so you will save a great deal of time and heartache in the future, and instead be able to enjoy your group.

[1] Group's purpose. Spend a few minutes writing a 1-2 sentence mission statement to help you clarify your goals.

[2] Group description. What exactly is the problem people are dealing with and how do you intend to try to help fix it through your support group?

[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 no, or 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] 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 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 your group meet? Will it be a short driving distance for most people? Is it accessible for people with disabilities? Is the atmosphere comfortable or will members feel intimidated? It the lighting good? If it's in a large building, like a hospital, will there be signs to make sure people don't get lost? Will a receptionist know when and where your group meets? Do they know where to park and will there be a fee for parking?

[9] Attendance. Is anyone welcome at any time or it is closed? For example, are new members welcome for a certain period of time? Is membership required in another group to attend? For example, if it's a group that a church hosts, are you expected to attend 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, is this okay with other members? Is it all right on occasion only, or on a regular basis?

[12] Projects. Do people wish to be involved in outside activities for the well-being of others? For example, does your group want to deliver gift baskets to people who are home-bound or provide a Christmas party for children in a low-income neighborhood? 

[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 with 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 kinds of educational or brochures will be available? Can attendees bring handouts and, if so, do they need to get advance approval from you 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 or 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 does the promotional piece need approval?

[17] Media exposure. Can you write a press release, or find someone who can, about your meetings and purpose? Are there people in your group who would be willing to be interviewed by journalists?

[18] Videotaping or photos. It can be helpful to videotape the group meetings for people who 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 the tape, have participants sign a release form. Don't post it online without permission from those 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 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. Does your group wish to have a "hub" online to exchange information or encourage one another? Do they want something simple, like just email exchanges, or a social network setting available through a source 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, 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.

Don't miss out on the remaining steps 22-35 at Lisa Copen's chronic illness and pain support social network for support group leaders. 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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