Our Stories
Share the power of long-term recovery. If you are in recovery, a family member, friend or ally of someone in recovery, we want to hear your recovery story!
Learn more...
Voice of the Recovery Community Award
Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) is the recipient of The Joel Hernandez Voice of the Recovery Community Award!
Learn more…
|
Encouraging Local Group Development
Please Note
For help on group development contact the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse: its website lists information on other mutual support groups that can reduce life stresses that can lead to addiction. This site provides information on over 1,100 national, model, and online self-help groups for most any illness, disability, addiction, loss of a loved one, parenting situation, caregiver concern, abuse, or other stressful life situation. http://www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp/
The American Sefl-Help Group Clearinghouse also offfers free help to those starting groups by providing local contacts, resources, publicity, free phone consultation, and support. There are similar, more local groups. For example, in the LosAngeles area, www.shareselfhelp.org works primarily in support of 12-step groups, but is worth a special visit as an illustration of what clearinghouses can do.
a. Don't Re invent the Wheel
Find a national group that already exists and request a starter packet or "how to" guide. Ask nearby group leaders to help. Attend meetings of that association in other locations to get a feel for how they operate; borrow from their successful techniques.
b. Find a Suitable Meeting Place and Time
Try to obtain free meeting space at a local church, library, community center, hospital, or social service agency. Chairs should be arranged in a circle; avoid a lecture set up. Consider holding initial meetings in members' homes. Also, try to set a convenient time for people to remember the meeting, e.g., the first Tuesday of the month or every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
c. Publicize and Run your First Public Meeting
To reach potential members, consider where they might go to seek help and get the word out to those persons and places. Don't start before you have a core group of committed founders. The first meeting should be arranged so that there will be ample time for you and other core group members to describe your interest and work, while allowing others the opportunity to share their view of how they would like to see the group function. Identify common needs the group can address. Make plans for the next meeting; have an opportunity for people to talk and socialize informally after the meeting.
d. Future Meeting Tasks
Establish the purpose of the group. Is the purpose clear? Groups often focus upon providing emotional support, practical information, education, and sometimes advocacy.
Also determine any basic guidelines your group will have for meetings (e.g., insure that group discussions are confidential, non judgmental, and informative).
Membership: Who can attend meetings and who cannot? Do you want membership limited to those with the problem? Will there be membership dues? If so, how much?
Meeting Format: How will the meeting be structured? How much time will be devoted to business affairs, discussion, planning future meetings, socializing? What topics will be selected? Can guest speakers be invited? If the group grows too large, consider breaking down into smaller sub groups of 7 to 12.
Roles and Responsibilities: Continue to share and delegate the work and responsibilities in the group. Who will be the phone contact for the group? Do you want officers? Consider additional roles members can play in making the group work. In asking for volunteers, it is sometimes easier to first ask the group what specific tasks they think would be helpful.
Phone Network: Many groups encourage the exchange of telephone numbers or an internal phone list to provide help to members between meetings. Ask your membership if they would like this arrangement.
Use of Professionals: Consider using professionals as advisors, consultants, or speakers to your groups, and as sources of continued referrals and information.
Projects: Always begin with small projects, then work your way up to more difficult tasks.