Friday, 14 November 2003

From Tara - Support Group Guidelines

Support Group Guidelines

For the Artists with Disabilities Group:

• These guidelines are for a meeting entirely devoted to a support group.
  
• This format could also work for a meeting that is only partially devoted to support if the session times are shortened.
  
• What is said during a person’s turn is confidential.
  Practice good listening skills. Do not interrupt the speaker.
  
• Turns will be taken in leading the group. Somebody should volunteer at the
  end of a session for the next time.
  
• The leader will think of introductory questions and maybe suggest a topic
  for those who would be interested.
  
• Group will start with a quick go around of about two minutes or less of a
  person’s name, and a question by the leader. A suggested question is “What
  is going well in your art?”
  
• Somebody could very briefly summarize an article around the subject of art
  or disability that could be a basis for sharing during the support time.
  
• The designated time will then be divided up amongst participants for a longer time to share more on what is going well in your life as an artist and a disabled person and what is difficult. Art could be shown off at this time or a writing or song shared. This is not for critic, but for encouragement and appreciation.
• Each person’s session should end with a positive note of a decision or noticing again what is going well.
  
• If the group agrees more time could be given to an individual with a special situation. It is important that everybody get at least some time.
  
• If the group is meeting longer than an hour time should be planned for a break in the middle. It is a good idea to stretch between turns.
• Two and a half hours is a good length of time for a support meeting.
  
• A direction, such as a line that the person could repeat, that could help an individual who seems stuck can be offered with permission. A line that my be the opposite of how the person feels might make them laugh and lighten their mood, thereby allowing them to feel less stuck. An example is, “I am completely capable of doing what I want to do.” First ask a question, “Can I offer you a direction?”
  
• Advice should be given at the end of a person’s turn and only after asking permission and if the speaker agrees. Advice is usually not helpful.
  
• End the group with another quick go around of something that participants are looking forward to.
  
• Hugs at the end are highly recommended, but never forced.
  
  Thanks,
  Tara