Beginning a support group shouldn’t be a task you take on that overwhelms you. But if you aren’t prepared, many obstacles can come up that can threaten the environment of your group. Follow along with this simple checklist so you will save a great deal of time and heartache in the future, and instead be able to enjoy your group.

[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] Outline of the group outline. How will you fill the time? Do you want people to network with one another, work their way through a study or workbook, listen to speakers from the community, or a mixture of all of this? What do you believe your members will desire?

[8] Location. Where will you be meeting? Is a short driving distance for most of the participants? Is it disability accessible? Have you found a comfortable atmosphere where your goals will be met or could it intimidate some members? Is it well lit? If it’s in a large building, have you hung up signs and alerted the receptionist in case people need directions? Have you told them where to park and if any parking fees are involved?.

[9] Attendance. Will your attendance be open or closed? For example, can anyone come at any time, or are new members welcome only during a certain time period? Are there any qualifications to attend? Such as, if it’s an illness support group sponsored by a church, do participants have to attend the church?

[10] Activities. Would the group like to have a party, such as a picnic or time together with family members? How frequently?

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