New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
Invites you to two free workshops
Developing and Maintaining An Effective Self-Help Group
Fine-Tuning Your Basic Group Facilitation Skills
WHEN: Saturday, January 10, 2009, 10:15am – 3:45pm
WHERE: Camden County Library, Bellmawr
DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE SELF-HELP GROUP (10:15am – 12:15pm)
The morning workshop is designed for lay persons who are interested in starting a self-help group who want to build a strong foundation on which the group can grow. It will cover:
· Why People Go to Groups: Find out what a self-help group is, how they benefit their members, and why people attend groups.
· Nuts & Bolts of Starting a Group: This workshop will discuss tools and strategies for defining your group focus, finding a meeting place, and conducting your first meeting.
· Sharing the Workload: This workshop will discuss developing a core group so your group uses “mutual aid self-help” techniques from the start.
· Publicity: This workshop will discuss effective ways in which to find members using flyers, brochures, media, internet, etc.
· How to Be a Telephone Contact Person for your Group: The workshop will give you strategies on being an effective contact person for your group.
· Group Format: Groups come in all varieties--which format is right for your group? Find out how to develop a welcoming format and ground rules.
· Interactive Sharing: This is a perfect opportunity to discuss common issues and proven solutions with each other.
FINE-TUNING BASIC GROUP FACILITATION SKILLS (1:15pm – 3:45pm)
The afternoon workshop is designed specifically for lay persons (but professionals are welcome) who are, or will be, facilitating a self-help group. The workshop will cover:
F What is a Facilitator?: Learn the basic roles of a group facilitator. Identify your personal facilitation style and strengths.
F Shared Leadership: Feeling burned out from all your responsibilities as group leader? Learn techniques to recruit volunteers so you don’t have to do it alone, while increasing members’ individual sense of group “ownership.”
F Get the Most Out of Group Discussions: Group discussions are the heart of any self-help group. Learn the basics of active listening, and facilitation techniques to ensure that group discussions are effective.
F Group Management: Learn how to evaluate your group for effectiveness. Problem-solving techniques will be discussed.
F Dealing with Difficult Behaviors: Conflict occurs in almost every group. Learn effective ways of dealing with conflict and difficult behaviors using group ground rules and facilitation techniques.
F Strategy Sharing: Offers an opportunity for group participants to discuss common problems and proven solutions with other group leaders.
These workshops are free; however space is limited and pre-registration is required. For information call the Clearinghouse at 1-800-367-6274 or 973-989-1122 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm).
Come have fun while learning new skills, exchanging ideas, and sharing techniques.
Thank you,
Every day I wake up is a good one.
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