Starting a local support group
If there isn't already a psoriasis support group in your area, it could be a good time to start one. New support groups are formed by a team of three individuals who are committed to implementing and leading a support group for at least one year. This team includes two co-leaders who have psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and one medical professional, preferably in the field of dermatology or rheumatology.
The main role of the two co-leaders is to:
- Organize meetings, create agenda and facilitate group discussions
- Recruit new group members on an on-going basis
- Work cooperatively with the National Psoriasis Foundation staff and other support group leaders
The main role of the medical professional is to:
- promote the support group to psoriasis patients in the local area
- serve as a medical advisor for the group
- volunteer as a guest speaker
Training and support
The Psoriasis Foundation provides training and on-going support to all co-leaders. Marketing for your group will also be provided through various communication vehicles like the psoriasis.org Web site, the Psoriasis Advance magazine, e-newsletters and other mailings. A Foundation staff person and a volunteer mentor will be assigned to assist you. They will provide you with the basic tools and serve as a resource, especially during the first few months your group is getting started.
Time and commitment
As with all volunteer activities, being an effective support group co-leader requires time and commitment. All too often, people mean well, but really don't have the time, energy or resources to be effective and reliable volunteers. As a support group co-leader, others rely on your commitment, so it's critical that you truly feel ready to take this role before moving forward.
If you are seriously considering becoming a support group co-leader, ask yourself the following questions:
- Why do I want to help start a support group?
- Do I have the time and energy to take this on for at least one year?
- Am I in the right place emotionally to help others before myself?
What makes an effective support group co-leader?
Every individual contributes something unique to a group dynamic. While we encourage people to be themselves, there are some fundamental characteristics that are important for being an effective support group co-leader. Some good examples are:
- Be a good listener; Know when to take the lead and when to give to others
- Possess the ability to organize, implement and follow through with needed task as required
- Work well with your co-leader and others in the group, regardless of differences in opinion
- Promote and market your group to recruit new individuals and keep active members engaged
Basic requirements for being a support group co-leader
You need to have the following communication tools available to you at least five days out of the week to be considered for this volunteer position:
- internet access and active e-mail account
- phone number where you can be reached and ability to make and receive both local and long distance calls
- transportation to and from meeting site
What some volunteers have said about being co-leaders for a support group
"Since I've become a volunteer with the Psoriasis Foundation, I have increased my knowledge about treatments and met some amazing people from across the country, many who have become some of my dearest friends and extended family. I have taken trips to places that I otherwise wouldn't have scheduled, to be a part of the greater good for all. I have become empowered to share my story and take control of my psoriasis and no longer see myself as a victim of this disease. I have done my best to be the change that I wish to see in the world!"
- Diana Cordio, San Mateo, Calif.
"Staying involved, educated, determined, caring and compassionate about what you do is the most important thing. Networking with others, teaching patient advocacy, staying on top of the healthcare system and learning creative ways to help others keeps me going! Sometimes just knowing who, what and how to ask for something will in return give us all great results to help others. The Psoriasis Foundation will help educate you so in return you can help others. You will have fun and make wonderful friendships that can last a lifetime!"
- Laura Tweed, Orlando, Fla.
"My first priority as a support group leader is to keep it positive. Even the most positive psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients can become negative or even depressed about their disease. It is my job to turn negativity around and focus on the positive. We have to believe ourselves, our doctors, our treatments, and hope for a cure some day. The psoriasis community is full of hope and opportunities. Don't let those opportunities pass you by. Become motivated, involved and part of our great community."
- Lisa Hutchings, Norfolk, Va.
If you are interested in starting a support group in your area, please complete a Volunteer Interest Form in PDF format and return the completed form to:
National Psoriasis Foundation
6600 SW 92nd Ave., Suite 300
Portland, Ore. 97223-7195
Fax: 503.245.0626.
Once the form has been received, someone at the Psoriasis Foundation will contact you for a brief telephone interview to discuss in more detail your interest in starting a support group.
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