Question: I can't find a Self-Help Group in my town. How can I start one?
Answer: The Mid America Chapter is always looking for volunteers interested in leading new Self-Help Groups in their city. Do you have the ability to organize people and meetings? Do you empathize with people and have a desire to help? Do you have effective communication skills? Do you have a willingness to work collaboratively with the Mid America Chapter? If you answered yes to these questions and are interested in volunteering to be a Self-Help Group leader (also called facilitator), read on to find out more.
What are the key characteristics of an effective Self-Help Group leader?
Self-Help Group Standards
Question: Where do the groups meet? Can we meet in someone's home?
Answer: Meetings are held in fully accessible locations such as restaurants, community rooms, and hospitals. Unfortunately private homes are not appropriate meeting locations because of liability.
Question: How much time would it take to each month to lead a group?
Answer: It can take up to 5 hours a month to plan a meeting. If there are 2 or more leaders, then the time commitment is smaller.
Question: Are there guidelines for being a Self-Help Group leader?
Answer: The Mid America Chapter set up guidelines for all Self-Help Group leaders. We ask our leaders to read and sign the following agreements:
Self-Help Group Co-Facilitator Responsibilities
Confidentiality Agreement
Code of Conduct
Annual Cooperative Agreement
Question: I am not interested in meeting with a group. Are there any other options for me to connect with other people with MS?
Answer: There are on-line chat groups and bulletin boards available. MSWorld, the Society's collaborative partner, has sessions for kids, teens, parents, caregivers, and much more. You can check out the chat at: MSWorld Chat. Or go to the official message board site for the National MS Society at: MSWorld Message Boards.
Question: I may need more information on running a group. Do you have a "How To" book for leaders?
Answer: The current Self-Help Group leader manual is available by clicking on the link below. (It's a large document, so please be patient.) We also have information on what to do in cases of suspected abuse or neglect. You can find out more below.
Facilitating Self-Help Groups Manual
Question: I really feel like I want to start a group. Who can I contact to get started?
Answer: Call your local branch office at 1-800-344-4867, press 2 and ask for the Self-Help Group Coordinator. Or you can email us at: info@nmsskc.org.
To view the linked PDF files, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader. This can be downloaded free from Adobe and will allow you to view and print publications exactly as they were designed.