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| What is Fibromyalgia? What is CFS? |
Tips on Starting a New Support Group | ||
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Tips on Starting a New Support Group Links Preparing for that first meeting
BH CFS/FMS Support Group Links |
Preparing for that first meeting Hopefully several people are involved in starting up the meeting, but even one person can get it going. You'll want to create an agenda. It doesn't have to be long, structured or inflexible, but it will give you an opportunity to get the meeting rolling and keep it going. You'll introduce yourself, then go around the room and ask people to give their names (name stickers are a great idea). You could introduce yourself by saying, "I'm Judy and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia seven years ago, although I believe I've had it for twenty years. I went to five different doctors before I had a diagnosis. I am no longer able to work outside of the home. I am married and have two grown children. I love to travel and visit the ocean." Next you may want to talk about what people would like the meeting to do. Some groups are purely talking and sharing, others have professional speakers, still others go to conventions and seminars together, renting a bus if people can't drive. Our support group meets for two hours -- the first hour is set aside for a speaker and the second hour is set aside for sharing. Refreshments are optional. Just remember to make it easy on yourself. We serve water at our meetings and that seems to work well. Have a sign-in sheet. It is important to get a list of those attending the meetings. Make sure to include name, address (including zip code), telephone number and e-mail address. We also have a form for new members to fill out (includes their diagnosis, ways in which they can volunteer, etc.). You'll need a source of income. No one person should have to bear the cost of making photocopies, paying for postage, making long distance calls, etc. We have a donations basket placed next to our sign-in sheet (most people usually put in $1). We've had rummage sales and we also have an account at a couple of area consignment stores. One of the most important considerations in starting a support group is to share the responsibility. Also, try to involve spouses or others who do not have CFS/FMS. If one person is responsible for everything, that person may come to feel burdened and resentful. The group should understand from the beginning that it is self-sufficient, continuing to meet even if the "founder" cannot be there. Because we are in chronic pain or may be having a flair (or even out of town on vacation), there have been times when our "leader" can't be at the the meeting -- "things" happen. We have developed a "How to Open the Meeting" script --that way the meeting can be held because we aren't depending on one person to be there to "lead" the meeting. A benefit of self-sufficiency is that people are allowed to grow and take responsibilities and feel they are each as important as every other member of the group. It's also good the first week to have writing materials available for people to make notes and share phone numbers. We try to have extra pencils, pens and writing paper available at all of our meetings. You may want to make signs to post in the building to help people find the room. Our sponsor at the hospital makes and posts our signs, but we also post a sign on the door stating who the speaker is, etc. Updated on: March 12, 2003 |