A Checklist of 36 Steps

to Starting an Effective
Support Group
by Lisa Copen

Leading a support group can seem like an

overwhelming task, but follow along with
this simple checklist to cover all of the
administrative tasks, and it will run much
smoother down the road.

[1] Purpose of your group. Sit down and work on a mission statement of 1-2 sentences so
you understand what your actual goal is for the group.

[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 reasons for leading the group. What is it that makes you feel that you are
called to lead this group? Is it something you feel a personal passion for, and not
something your being pressured into? Lead it for the right reasons. If you are doing it for
personal glory you will likely be disappointed.

[4] Approval. Do you need to seek formal approval from an organization, church, or
company, that you are leading the group on behalf of?

[5] Life of the group. What is your ideal length of the group's life? Not every group has to
last forever. You may choose to meet for an indefinite amount of time, and then have it
grow and change as members express their needs. Or, you may choose to ask people to
commit for a certain period of time, and then recommit if they still want to meet after the
date?

[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 at your meeting be filled? Do you wish to have time
allotted for people to share, pray, or network? Do you plan to go through a study or will
you have speakers from your community come to share their expertise? What is your
preference and your attendees?

[8] Location. Where will you meet? Is it within a short driving distance for most people?
Is it handicapped accessible? Is it comfortable for the atmosphere you desire? Will it
intimidate members? Is it well lit? If it's in a large building, be sure to hang up signs and
alert the receptionist about your group. Do they know where to park and are there parking
fees?

[9] Attendance. Is it open or closed? Is anyone welcome at any time? Are new members
welcome during a certain time period? Is membership from another organization required
to qualify? For example, if it's an illness support group in a church do participants have 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 all right on occasion only, or on a regular basis?

[12] Projects. Would your group like to help plan activities that can help others? For
example, would you group want to put together gift baskets for people who are home-
bound or provide a holiday party for children of parents who are going through a difficult
time?

[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 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 brochures or other educational pieces will you have available? Can
anyone bring handouts? Do they need approved in advance?

[15] Exchange of personal information. Do group members want their address, phone
and/or emails distributed to other members as a directory to do they want it to remain
private and give it out to others themselves.

[16] Promotion. How do you plan to promote your group? If it's formed under the
umbrella of another organization, what kind of approval do you need to advertise or use
their name? Understand the specifics about what is acceptable or not. For example, are
classified ads in the local paper, or an announcement in the paper in the calendar section
okay? Is it okay to post the flyers around town. Make sure you know exactly what
promotional pieces need advanced approval.

[17] Media exposure. Can you write a press release? If not, be sure to find someone who
can help! Explain the logistics about your group meetings, as well as the purpose for the
group. If there are certain group members who may be willing to be interviewed by a
journalists at some point in the future, keep that in mind.

[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. Would your group like to have a "hub" on the internet to
exchange information and encourage one another between group meetings. Would they
prefer something simple like just exchanging emails, or are they comfortable using a
social network group 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.

[22] Phone use. Are people comfortable with you calling them to remind them of
meetings, etc. Is there a time of day you should not call? Is it okay to leave a message?
Do their family members typically give them messages?

[23] Contacting the leader. How do you want people to contact you to receive
information? Phone, web page, email, etc? What’s the fastest way for you to respond?
How long will it typically take you to respond to people?

[24] Expenses. How do you plan to cover expenses for things like room rental, snacks,
photocopies, welcome folders, etc. Are people comfortable with a donation jar or a
membership fee such as a $10 donation? Is there another way to raise funds without
asking your members for the money?

[25] Assistance for the leader. Who will be helping you? Who can assist you in setting up,
running errands, and making phone calls? Don’t plan on taking on all of the
responsibilities yourself. You will need the help and should give others the opportunity to
be involved in this level with the group.

[26] Welcome packet. Put together a folder of information, such as your mission
statement, guidelines, helpful handouts, and contact information for new members. You
can find examples online about what to put in a your packet and you can update them any
time with fresh resources.
[27] Finding new participants. What ways can your group members encourage others to
attend. Brainstorm together how you can have more members if this is your desire.

[28] Snacks. What kinds of snacks can people eat or not eat? What is their preference?
Who will bring them? Is there a fund for this in case some participants are unable to
financially provide them?

[29] Ice-breakers. What are some ways people can get to know one another without
putting them on the spot? What do people consider fun, but not intimidating? If your
group is physically challenged, make sure the ice-breakers don’t involve games like
catching someone to see how much they trust you!

[30] Ending on time. Will you make it a priority to end the meeting on time and then
allow people free time to talk afterwards? When do you need to vacate the room? Let the
attendees know what your expectations and limits are. If you are exhausted and need to
get home by a certain time, when can you follow up with people? Letting them know will
prevent misunderstandings, like people getting their feelings hurt because you aren’t able
to stay and talk for hours after each meeting.

[31] Transportation. Are there any challenges? Will anyone need a ride on occasion or for
every meeting? How can this need be met?

[32] Communication. How will you cope with hurt feelings, members who are
disrespectful, members who never share?

[33] Humor. How will you add some fun to your group so it’s not a depressing
atmosphere or completely self-centered? Let everyone know that venting to a certain
degree is understandable, but you don’t want your group to just be a place people dump
and then leave.

[34] Solicitation or commercial purposes. How will you handle people who want to
attend the group, mainly to get individuals to buy their products? Despite policies you
may have set, it’s likely that people will cross the line. What is our plan of action if you
discover a member soliciting other members for commercial purposes?

[35] Put together a box of essentials. Take this box to every meeting. It should have name
tags, pen, paper, handouts, new member folders, a sign in sheet, napkins for snacks, tissue
and whatever else you can think of.

[36] Who can mentor you? Who will you go to when you need advice or assistance with a
situation in your group? If your group is under an organization, church, etc. is there
someone who can help you problem solve or provide encouragement?

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries which has over 300 HopeKeepes groups
around the USA and beyond. Read about more ways to start your illness ministry with her
book So You Want to Start a Chronic Illness/Pain Ministry: 10 Essentials to Make it
Work, available at the Comfort Zone Bookstore.