How do I start up a local support group?

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conciergelady1

posts: 31

Jan 31, 2008 3:03 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi everyone,

I have been thinking about forming a local support group for a while. I researched this first to see if there was already a support group locally but I didn`t see one. So now I am ready now to take the plunge but I would like some feedback first from anyone who wants to give it

Here goes:

I am not sure if I need liability insurance or a waiver of liability for members who join. This would be a totally non-business support group. Does anyone know the answer to this?

With 50% of the people divorced today plus everyone being so busy running to work then back home and where ever else people have to do there is no time to nurture family ties as in the past. Plus the fact that today people don`t live that close to their families. People move to get away from the city or buy that house they can afford which usually is far away from their families.

Also people who work from home don`t have the social networking available to people that are in the corporate world.

So when you have something major going on in your life and you need to talk about it and discuss it in person. Where do you go ? What happens when someone has to go to the hospital and needs some help but there is none or they have kids that have to be cared for or aging parents.

There is a definite need for this type of support for people today. (I have 2 friends that fall in this category, both unmarried, one lives with her mom who has dementia and the other lives alone and has a business at home). I see the problems that they have when something goes wrong.

That is the idea behind this support group. I think a weekly meeting for whoever wants to show up and talk about whats going on in their life that they want some feedback on would be a good way to go. Each person would give their take on it and hopefully help that person out.

Do you think that I have a good idea here ?

Thanking you in advance for your help and comments

Conciergelady

wtgg

posts: 257

Jan 31, 2008 8:29 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Jo,

I guess I`m very lucky, when we moved to this area a few years ago I met a few guys (just so happens they are self employed), I`ve grown friendly with them and have expanded my support network through them by meeting their friends.

last fall I was busy working the day job, and then up half the night on the business, one of these guys signed me up for the local dart league at the Moose club. then he called me and told me to be there Wednesday night.

well I was a bit bothered (explitive) but went anyway, well I`ve met a bunch more great people from all walks of life, at least one has been through whatever.

long winded I know.

anyway to the point I think it`s a great thing (now) and encourage you to move forward, although I don`t think you need to be all that formal, just get together once a week at the local hangout, coffee house whatever ( I see some guys every wednesday at the dunkin dounuts around 6:30 in the morning).

In your shoes I`d just set a time somewhere invite everyone and showup, sure some won`t make it but others will let them know what they missed the next week they will show.

just $.02

Stan

conciergelady1

posts: 31

Feb 01, 2008 9:55 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks Stan for your $.02. I appreciate it :)

CampSteve

posts: 1216

Feb 01, 2008 11:52 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Why don`t you look into using a site like meetup.com?

conciergelady1

posts: 31

Feb 01, 2008 7:24 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Well I am really looking for a non-business networking group. I already have some business groups that I belong to which I like. As far as meetup.com - there was one that just started but the organizer pulled out and the other one is kind of far.

I really am thinking of a non-business group though. I initially was considering just a womans support group then I thought that I shouldnt limit it just to women maybe men would be interested. Its not a social club (though it may turn out that way, but I want to structure it now as a support group only - just for people that don`t have family or they are far away and need help at times and just some people to talk and vent to when needed.

thanks :)

CampSteve

posts: 1216

Feb 01, 2008 9:48 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Nuevolution

posts: 1223

Feb 02, 2008 1:24 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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If it`s a non-business event where you just want to meet up with people and have fun, there`s no problem. You can just call it a friend gathering. It`s not until you start adding a name to the group that you will either be encouraged to file for a DBA or start marketing it more to the single or divorced group.
In other words it is not a business until you either charge or make an event where there will be money involved.
I like your idea, and Yes it`s so true "family values are down the drain"
Currently, I`m in the same position as you... I`m looking into creating a support group for families or individuals that have children or child with Autism or mental disabilities. I will not be charging or anything like that but the money for marketing and making families aware of our support group has to come from somewhere..
My only chance is to take it from my web design company and write it off at the end of the year as a donation?
If what you`re trying to accomplish is similar to my project.. then you might be able to do something .

-------------------------

Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

conciergelady1

posts: 31

Feb 04, 2008 11:01 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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That`s fine that it is a non-business group. Why do you think we are suggesting business related ideas? Meetup isn`t only for business. And as Stan suggested, a coffee shop setting isn`t business oriented.

You`re right Steve. I have seen all types of meetups now that I think of it. But the two meetups that I was involved with were businesses only so thats why I said that

And yes coffee shop would be ideal for this situation. Especially one like Starbucks but we dont have one around here.

My main concern before starting this up are the legalities. As we all know today there are way too many frivilous lawsuits so I need to protect myself. I guess I want to know if I need to take out a liability insurance policy or maybe have members sign a liability waiver.

I did start up a local networking group (it was a social group though) a few years back on Yahoo. It started to catch on and everyone was happy that I started it. I was too until the day that we actually started making plans to meet for the first time. One of the girls needed a ride (she didnt have a drivers license) so the only male member in the group graciously offered to pick her up. Well a bell went off in my head and I smelled trouble. I dismantled the group that day and put up an announcement on the forum that if anyone wanted to take my place they could but there were no takers

. I just told them how I felt about the liability issue.

So now I am going to do it all over again but this time I want to do it the right way first. I guess I will have to call up my PPL here in NJ but I just wanted to see if anyone knew before I did that. Thanks

conciergelady1

posts: 31

Feb 04, 2008 11:12 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Nuevolution

I guess I will have to make it a business then, because I can see down the road where there may be things that we may want to do, I`m thinking family fun stuff like a 2008 Christmas party with christmas carrolling to someone playing the piano and buying gifts for all the kids that wouldnt get any. Maybe Santa Claus and his elf handing out the gifts. I just think the holidays are wonderful but I also think that not enough people enjoy them today and one of the reasons is because people are alone and they don`t want to go anywhere alone. That`s just not right. I dont want to make a profit I just want to have enough to pay for whatever is needed. I can relate to your cause too because there is someone in my family who has the same illness and its heart wrenching to say the least. If you use your own money you may be able to put it back with each member contributing their share?

CampSteve

posts: 1216

Feb 04, 2008 11:29 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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And yes coffee shop would be ideal for this situation. Especially one like Starbucks but we dont have one around here.

As an aside... It always surprises me when I hear there is not a Starbucks near someone. I mean, I know they aren`t everywhere but it often seems like it. You can borrow one of the 4 Starbucks within a few miles of my home. :)

And good luck with your group planning!

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