A Great Support Group

[Emily Anderson]

Thanks again to many of you who responded to my question on "what support groups are all about." As a follow-up to that question, I would like to ask you all: What makes a great support group? I'm talking real-life here, not internet forums!

In this context, think not only about what you have experienced, but also about what you would ideally like to see/hear/do if you joined one.

[dancer1]

My exsperiance with my local support group, IE: CD Chapter is one of information and concen to the whole with out a agenda clouded by egos. So i would say if you can discuss and share and and feel a part of something you will have your own answer mine is positive . best reguards Nadeen

[sterling12]

I think that if YOU get a great deal out of your Support Group, then it's a great support group. And, I think that's why you got a lot of positive vibes in your previous post.

For a lot of us, joining a group was a culmination of a lot of thought. We wanted to get out, socialize, be with like-minded people, and finally feel something that felt like CD Freedom! For myself, by the time I made the decision and made contact, I just couldn't hardly wait until I got to that first meeting. Of course, I count that as a great experience and of course I associate the experience with my "great group."

A lot of people never leave their homes, and that's fine. I don't understand them, can't imagine how any CD would not want the experience, but of course it's up to the individual.

So Ladies, I suspect that there are a lot of "great groups" out there. They are just waiting to add you to their list of great members. Maybe you ought to start investigating that possibility today.

Peace and Love, Joanie

[jessielee]

a feeling of family, of having shared enough common experience or hopes and challenges that we feel we belong together even if only for infrequent get togethers.
in my extensive AA experience, it is exactly like that. egos are strong and unpredictable or can run rampant. a member was once threatened in an alley.
similar intimidation or slurs could happen here but for the watchful care of our moderators.
even so,
though we all have so many different variations on a theme,
i feel such gratitude to have found all of you.
to see how unalone in the world i need feel.
it is such an invigorating sensation, feeling akin to each of you.
like less of a freak.
or monster.
that is support to me.
here,
thank you,
jessie

[JoAnnDallas]

To me, a great support group is a group that can not only keep the current members happy and coming back to meetings over and over, but attract new members. One thing I have found about my support group, is I look foward to the next meeting. Meeting agenta is usually nailed down for 2-3 months in advance. That way you know what is coming and can prepare for it. My group likes to do theam meetings. The June meeting is the Annual Banquet/Prom meeting. Great way for members to really get all dressy and feel good about ourselves. We try to get some digintaires to come too. From what I have been told, this event is usually a big hit. Our support group also sponsers other events like the "Dress Barn" after hours shopping spree.
A support group where you just come and socialize is OK, but a better one is one that tries to help the members.

[Kate Simmons]

A great support group is one wherein EVERYONE takes a hand to keep the group going and not just a few. A great support group does not have an "in your face" attitude but is not a sewing circle either. A great support group shows care and understanding with the membership in respect to everything and not just TG issues. In short, a great support group is people caring about people.:)

[Nicole Erin]

If everyone feels welcome and wants to come back, it is a great group.
That goes for any type of group.

[Phoebe Reece]

A great support group has an emphasis on personal attention to all of its members. It becomes a meeting place for friends and all members become friends. It has activities and functions that attract the interest of both the newcomers and long time members. There are provisions for both the closeted members as well as the ones who "go anywhere, anytime". S.O.'s are given support equal to that of the CD's and made to feel just as welcome in all activities of the group. The group has an effective communications system to make sure all members know what the group is doing well ahead of events.

I am a member of what I believe is a great support group.