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Advocacy Action—Launching a Support Group

With these steps as a guide, you'll be on the way to creating your own group

The power of psychosocial support for cancer survivors has been well documented. Among their many benefits, support groups can decrease anxiety and create a sense of community. Telephone and online groups are great options, but for some survivors nothing can take the place of sharing stories and experiences face-to-face.

Many cancer survivors have difficulty finding support groups in their areas, and many express a desire to attend a group specific to their type of cancer. No support group in your area? Consider starting one. It takes dedication and perseverance but can be an extremely rewarding experience. Here are 10 tips to help you get started.

1. Make a commitment.

Leading a local support group is rewarding but demands time and energy. Consider pairing with others to co-lead the group. Their assistance and support may ensure your group’s success.

2. Identify your audience.

Those currently in treatment? Those who have finished treatment? Friends, family members and caregivers? All of the above? Be clear from the start why your group is forming and whom you’d like to attend.

3. Determine the group’s objectives.

Contact leaders of existing support groups for advice. Brainstorm with your co-leaders to develop topics for your group members to discuss. Decide where, when and how often you will meet, any supplies you will need, and your specific goals. Set priorities and delegate responsibilities.

4. Build a local network.

Spread the word about your group by posting notices at doctors’ offices, churches, community centers, on the internet and wherever else you might reach your target audience.

5. Provide information.

Contact organizations specializing in cancer to obtain educational materials for your group. Circulate a sign-up sheet at each meeting, distribute contact information and provide a written reminder about the group’s next meeting.

6. Be adaptable.

If you have selected a particular topic to discuss at a meeting but the attendees are clearly interested in talking about something else, go with it. Each group will form an identity, and the facilitators must be flexible.

7. Meet consistently.

Keep your meeting at the same place, day and time. Have your meeting even if other members do not attend. It can require patience to form a dedicated group.

8. Give yourself time.

It may take at least two months for your group to get going. Members may come and go in the beginning, but if you keep at it, you will eventually have a small core group that always attends.

9. Keep it relevant.

Keep the discussion on track with your goals so that members stay involved.

10. Ask for help when needed.

Know your limitations. It can be a challenge to maintain cohesion and inclusion in a group. Members may require more help than you can provide. Anticipate such difficulties and know where to turn for assistance and direction.

—Adapted by Kay Cofrancesco and Maureen Rigney from guidelines prepared by staff of the Lung Cancer Alliance

Kay Cofrancesco is the program specialist at the Lung Cancer Alliance. Maureen Rigney, a licensed clinical social worker, is the program manager at the Lung Cancer Alliance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LUNG CANCER AND THE LUNG
CANCER ALLIANCE:
The Lung Cancer Alliance
www.lungcanceralliance.org
Phone: 1-202-463-2080
Lung cancer hotline: 1-800-298-2436
E-mail: info@lungcanceralliance.org