What Will I Need to Do to be a Good Member?
Besides finding new members and becoming a leader, you will need to listen well to
other members and keep what is said confidential. The group is built on trust, and
personal information may be shared that only the members should hear.
You must also give everyone a chance to ask questions and to share ideas at the
meetings. If you need more in-depth information from a speaker, you may want to
arrange to see the person later rather than take too much of the meeting time.
You should also use what you learn carefully. Group meetings do not substitute for
regular medical care. Always check out any new idea with your medical team before
you try it.
Is a Support Group for Me?
A support group is not for everyone. Do you —
- Need support from others who understand what it is like to have diabetes?
- Feel ready to listen to others with an open mind and to share your experiences?
- Think you can offer leadership to the group?
- Think you are willing to commit time and energy to the group?
If you answer yes to these questions, then a support group may be for you.
You may need to leave the group for many reasons. It is important that you tell the
group that you no longer will be involved. Give a brief reason for why you are leaving,
so that others will not worry about you. If the group has problems that are causing you
to leave, tactfully discuss them with the leader of the entire group. Your input may help
the group become more successful.
THE SUCCESS OF THE GROUP DEPENDS ON ITS MEMBERS.
From the The National Diabetes Education Program
Undated webpage
http://www.diabetesatwork.org/plans/factsheets/II_D_04_FS.PDF
(PDF file) [PDF help]
Also see
ideas for diabetes support groups
starting a diabetes support group
