Is there an existing support group that addresses your concerns?

Do you have the time and energy to start a support group?

Do you have the support of family members and friends?

Can you handle the extra demands of organizing a support group?

Are there other organizations that the new support group can align with?

Are there other caregivers willing to share responsibilities?

Are there professionals you can call on to help with start-up?

Are there professionals you can call on to provide topical advice and information?

How will you publicize the formation of the group?

What community resources are available?

What are possible sources of financial support?

Where will the group meet? When? How often?

How will the group be led - by peer leadership, professional facilitation, shared leadership?

How will group responsibilities be shared?

How will the group be structured - as a stand-alone group or as part of a larger organization?

Will it be an informal group or legally registered?

Steps to take

Visit support groups with similar concerns

Talk with experienced group leaders

Find out what they have found to be most effective

Obtain how-to packages from established groups

Contact a self-help clearinghouse for information on how to start a support group

Find out about available community resources

Seek out opportunities to create strategic partnerships

Find out about potential funding sources

o service clubs

o community and social service agencies

o businesses

o grant-awarding agencies and foundations

o professional associations

o gifts in kind

o donations from individuals, families, bequests

Form an organizing committee

Arrange a planning meeting

Establish the group's focus

Define the aims and objectives of the group

Decide who can join the group

Define the group's relationship with professionals

Establish the purpose of the first meeting

Arrange a meeting to launch the group

Publicize the launch meeting. Target potential members

Collect resource information and materials to display or exchange at the launch

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