Hi Fleurette
My name is Anne. Jan at the foundation office has helped me and other people
in Newfoundland start four support groups.
When I saw the letter from Joyce I didn't think anyone else was starting
a support group so I replied by email.
I don't think Joyce will mind me sharing my letter with the list
this is what I said to Joyce
((because typing is hard work I will be brief.))
These points come to mind first.
They are not rules.
They may not work elsewhere
There is more if you find this helpful.
Anne
A
Getting started-- some general suggestions
Having a 'parent organization' helps if your philosophy matches
First step is finding one or two other families who are keen(I have some
ideas)
You will need to have some organizational get-togethers
you and the other founders can form an interim committee
which is replaced at the meeting with a voted on committee
There is nothing more scary than the first meeting
we had 12-15 at the NF first meeting in June 1988. We were all strangers
I took a display of brochures books etc from the Parkinson Foundation
showing them broke the ice.
The Grand Falls and Carbonear groups had about 20+ at their firsts
Grand Falls saw a video had a welcome speech
and voted in a 4 person committee.
Carbonear had a talk and a show and tell about the other 2 NF groups
and selected 2 families to be an interim committee
B
some things to settle
1 does anybody have a group close by
2 Do yoou want a group which
a) meets for exercise -best weekly
b) meets for talk monthly
c) has educational speakers monthly
does all three
3 there will be costs (not much if meeting place is free)
4 You will need some literature and local publicity.
end of letter--
Fleurette and Joyce ,
It may take a while to find some others to help you
more Ideas
flyers could go to the pharmacists
Cable TV announcments
Is there a nursing home - you could meet the manager
write a notice / press release for your community paper or radio
(Jan will have samples)
Keep us Posted
Anne Rutherford
