How do I find a group in Michigan?

On the web page is a searchable, on-line directory of Michigan groups. You may type in the group topic or category you are looking for or scroll down the category list to find your topic or issue. Then type in your county or select it from the county list and hit the Search button.

How do I get information for groups outside of Michigan?

Contact the American Self-Help Clearinghouse in New Jersey by phone, 973-625-3037, or website: www.cmhc.com/selfhelp, to locate a clearinghouse in your state or county. If you locate a clearinghouse that has information for your area, the staff may be able to give you information on self-help, support groups.

Many national organizations have chapters in various states. It is possible to do an Internet search on the name of the organization (or problem or concern) and find out about local chapter meetings. Other sources of information may be your local crisis line, public library, United Way agency or local hospital. Some newspapers also have daily or weekly community calendars and may list groups.

What is a self-help support group?

Self-help support groups bring people together who have had similar life experiences and are looking for peer support, encouragement, information and coping strategies.

Groups are generally voluntary, low or no cost and are run by and for their members. They are not therapy groups, although professionals are sometimes involved. Group activities vary greatly and may include, mutual sharing, recreation or social opportunities, and advocacy efforts.

Benefits of participating in a self-help group include:

* discovering you are not alone

* regaining a sense of hope and optimism

* learning new ways of coping with problems

* gaining the satisfaction of helping yourself and others

There are groups for:

* people with disabilities (e.g. autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, head injuries)

* people with physical or mental illness (e.g. cancer, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, manic-depression)

* people dealing with addictions (e.g. smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, gambling)

* people coping with crisis or transition (e.g. divorce, domestic violence, bereavement)

* families and friends of people with common issues (e.g. parents of children with disabilities, caregivers of the elderly, families of crime victims)

How do I list a group or update my group information with the Clearinghouse?

If your group is not currently listed with the Clearinghouse (please check first by consulting the on-line directory on the main Clearinghouse page) click on the UPDATE/NEW GROUP?? button on the main page. This will provide a survey form that may be completed on-line or you may print it out, complete it and mail it to MSHC. There is no charge to list a group with the Clearinghouse.

Keep in mind that some groups have decided NOT to have their group information listed on this website so you should check with your group leaders FIRST. It is helpful if the survey is completed by group leaders or other authorized group representatives, especially if they are the contact people for the group.

Every group listed with MSHC has had a survey completed by a group representative. This is the only way to ensure accurate and complete information. Be sure to leave a daytime phone number where you can be reached so we may clarify any information. Volunteer staff will contact the group each year to update the information.

If your group is currently listed with the Clearinghouse the survey form may also be used to update your group information. Simply review your group's listing from the on-line data base and enter any information that has changed in the group survey form. You may do this on-line or you may print it, complete it and mail it to us.

AND NOW FOR OUR EXCITING, TANTALIZING DISCLAIMER!!!!!!!!

The Clearinghouse retains the right to decide whether or not to list a group. For example, if a group appears to be a psychotherapy group, a for-profit group, or an educational group without any of the main elements of a self-help, support group, it will not be listed. Groups that charge more than a small amount to attend meetings will also not be listed. It's not that these groups aren't helpful or legitimate groups, it's just that we (and our funders) had to draw the line somewhere...(see FAQ entitled What is a self-help support group?)

How do I start a self-help group?

There are probably as many ways to start new groups as there are groups, but to begin, it helps to find at least one other person who shares your concerns so you can start the group together. In this way you may provide each other with mutual support AND share group organizing tasks.

You may also want to make certain there are no existing groups in your area that address your concerns by checking the Clearinghouse on-line directory or by checking with local human service agencies. Obviously it's easier to join a group than to start one! In rural areas especially, it may make sense to join a similar group in order to avoid duplication and competition for members.

There are several steps in organizing a group such as finding a meeting place, publicizing your group, recruiting members, clarifying the group purpose, choosing group guidelines and so on.

How do I spread the word about my self-help group?

Most groups are eager to have new members, so it is an ongoing activity of the group leaders and members to promote the group and educate the general public about the group and its concern. Publicity tasks may be divided among members so it is not an overwhelming job. It is helpful for the group to brainstorm ideas about the target audience, how to reach them, and where to advertise.

Other helpful hints about public relations strategies, recruiting new members, and writing press releases and public service announcements, may be found in the technical assistance packet called Publicizing a Self-Help/Mutual Support Group.

How do you lead a self-help support group?

The most important thing that self-help, support group leaders contribute to a group is their EXPERIENCE with the group's issue or concern. You don't need any special expertise to lead a self-help, support group because your job is to get other people to share, discuss, and provide encouragement to each other. In self-help, support groups, people often begin by sharing their story of how they have dealt with the issue, what has worked or hasn't worked FOR THEM, and where they are now. Then the next member may tell their story or pass. The leader may want to lead by example, sharing his or her story first and then asking others how they have dealt with similar problems or issues.

SHARED leadership is a term sometimes used to describe the many leadership roles available within self-help, support groups. Shared leadership allows several members to take on leadership roles thus reducing dependence on just one person. Research has shown that those who are most involved in a group, benefit the most.