Hi Linda - I've been involved with support groups for some time, and find them invaluable. Being able to "talk" with others, whether online or in person, leads to a wealth of additional information and resources.
I belong to four international groups related to a chronic illness I live with - it's a rare condition so finding people locally to form a group would be difficult. Despite the geographical differences I find the need for information that goes above and beyond what's available from medical professionals is common to all of us, and people share their experiences for the benefit of others.
On a community level I've helped form, lead and moderate job support groups for more than six years. We have used free services such as Yahoo Groups and LinkedIn Groups. I've learned over time that it's important to develop guidelines and moderate these groups as there are plenty of non-related parties who see them as rich targets for promoting their businesses, political agendas and even scams. Deciding the focus of the group, and sticking to it, helps maintain the value and helps in bringing in new members.
Support groups provide a lot of good benefits to members. Thanks Linda for bringing up this topic! Pat
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Hi Linda - I've been involved with support groups for some time, and find them invaluable. Being able to "talk" with others, whether online or in person, leads to a wealth of additional information and resources.
I belong to four international groups related to a chronic illness I live with - it's a rare condition so finding people locally to form a group would be difficult. Despite the geographical differences I find the need for information that goes above and beyond what's available from medical professionals is common to all of us, and people share their experiences for the benefit of others.
On a community level I've helped form, lead and moderate job support groups for more than six years. We have used free services such as Yahoo Groups and LinkedIn Groups. I've learned over time that it's important to develop guidelines and moderate these groups as there are plenty of non-related parties who see them as rich targets for promoting their businesses, political agendas and even scams. Deciding the focus of the group, and sticking to it, helps maintain the value and helps in bringing in new members.
Support groups provide a lot of good benefits to members. Thanks Linda for bringing up this topic! Pat
December 23, 2009 - 6:01pmThis Comment
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