Hosting Related Reminder: Updates, Tips & Guidelines

Hi everyone,

It has come to my knowledge that there’s uncertainty about who can host a session and how, and I’d like to clarify that.

A) Who can host group support sessions?

If you are either a member, listener, host, room supporter, or chatroom moderator who’s willing to host a session of any type, you can. At the end of the session you hosted, please use this Host Log form. It will help you log your participation as a Host in the Group Chats.

B) Hosting Tips and Guidelines

1. You can host various types of sessions like an open chat, a support session, or a guided discussion on a specific topic.
   • For support sessions and guided discussions on specific topics, you can find the discussion list here. It is the directory of all scripts on most topics ranging from anxiety, depression, trauma, and student support.
2. If you want to host a session in a specific room, you can request a doorkeeper or Community Moderator at least 10-60 minutes prior to opening the room to be sure the room is opened on time. The room should be opened about 5-10 minutes before the start time.
   • You can also use this Doorkeeper Request form too!
3. Send an invitation to all group support rooms 10 minutes before the start time to give participants time to come to the room. This should include the time (in ET) and location of the discussion, the discussion topic, and the usernames of any hosts. Please be sure you list the time in ET and give some guidance about how soon that is for those who aren’t in the Eastern time zone.
   • Please be mindful not to interrupt an ongoing discussion by checking to see if the banner is set up.
   • Please do not post the invitation in the Sharing Circle Room.
   • Example of invitation: “Hey everyone! You’re invited to join me and the name of your co-host (if applicable) in the ______Room at 11 am ET (in about 10 minutes) for a (type of chat or discussion topic). Everyone is welcome to join. Hope to see you there!”
4. Set the banner for your discussion at the start of your discussion. If your discussion is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. ET, set the banner at 11 a.m.
   • To set the banner, choose the white box at the top of your screen that says ‘Start Discussion’.
   • A box will appear once you click the link. If you have a co-host, please add their name. If there is no co-host, leave the section blank.
   • Set the length of your discussion from the menu.
   • Select ‘Start Discussion
   • Find additional details HERE
   • If you do not have the ability to set the banner, you can request a community mod or anyone who has the ability to do it for you.
5. Copy/paste the introduction message for the script you will be using. For unscripted discussions, please use an introduction from an approved script. If necessary, you may modify the introduction to suit the type of chat you are hosting.
6. Once the introduction has been posted, begin the discussion with an icebreaker if there is any. If necessary, you may modify the introduction to suit the type of chat you are hosting
7. Ask questions at a natural pace, and keep an eye on how the room flows. If there’s a lull or an opportunity to segue between questions, feel free to move on to the next question.
8. Keep an eye on the clock. Your discussion needs to fit into the appointed time slot. It’s okay to run overtime a little, but try not to go more than 5 minutes late. If all questions are not covered during the session, you can host another session at a later time to discuss them.
9. Be sure to copy/paste the conclusion. If you are hosting an unscripted discussion, please use the conclusion included in an approved script. This gives participants the opportunity to leave feedback on their sessions. You may also want to promote any discussions for your sub-community and promote recruitment for your sub-community.
   • You can also share this feedback form with the participants at the end of the session. Click here
10. If your discussion is taking place in a room that is not open 24/7, please remind participants that your room will be closing at least 2-5 minutes before the discussion is scheduled to end.
    • For pop-up rooms: Please ensure the room gets closed by informing a community mod on shift or using the doorkeeper request form before you leave.
11. Congratulations! You just hosted a discussion.
12. Please log your hosting through this form. We will use it to award cheers and honor your efforts to host in the community.
13. You can also read the guide on hosting discussions here!

C) Special Events Group Chat Guidelines

If you’d like to organize an event, such as a birthday or cupsversary, it must be approved in advance by an Admin, Ambassador, or Community Mod. These sessions can run no longer than 30 minutes. If it’s for the adult and teen side and requires two rooms, they are to be hosted separately (not simultaneously). The more notice the better in case there is not a moderator, and one will be needed.

If you need any help, have any questions or thoughts related to hosting a session, opening a room, discussing a topic, or need to create new scripts on topics that do not exist yet, please feel free to send me a message at 7cups.com/@ASilentObserver

Tip: If you are a new member or listener, it is recommended to attend at least 3 sessions before you try to host your first session. You can start by attending Sharing Circle or any other support sessions that are hosted by others.

Note:

• These guidelines can also be found on the Community Guidelines page here!
• All texts in blue color are hyperlinked and clickable.
  

Edits: By ASilentObserver on 08/23/2023