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Academy Central Support Thread! Go to thread for academy questions
by Hope
Last post
 3 days ago
...See more Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well. It is common to have questions regarding your academy program journey. It can be challenging to wait for a response so to provide speedy support, we have decided to have this one central thread where all academy trainees/interns can ask questions related to their academy journey. Here is how to get support! Respond to this thread with your question(s) and the program you are enrolled in. Remember, more information is better than less information. Provide context where needed so you can get speedy answers. Who can respond to the questions? Academy mentors, graduates, and even trainees if they are sure of the answer! Feel free to support each other and provide tips! Make sure to keep an eye on your notifications so you can check the thread for answers. You can expect an answer within 24-30 hours. This post is brought to you by the 7 Cups Academy Team, find out more information about the programs here [https://www.7cups.com/academy/]
Academy Programs for listeners (2024)
by Hope
Last post
 July 19th
...See more Hi everyone! This post provides the latest information on academy programs. Every once in a while we will renew our posts to ensure the information is up to date and you can be sure that you are getting the most updated information. The 7 Cups Academy is a tuition-free institution that trains members, listeners, and researchers to develop skills and better care for our community. These are professional skills that are of great use even outside 7 Cups. We believe in practice-driven learning and all of our courses have in-field experience at the core. This post is dedicated to providing listeners with the information they need on opportunities available to them within 7 Cups Academy. The 7 Cups Academy has had 1600+ graduates.  How is 7 Cups Academy different from training guides or other educational material available at 7 Cups? The academy programs target specific skills like leadership, content development, etc. Trainees not only get theoretical knowledge of the subject but also spend time practicing the skills under our practicum opportunities. That is not all, one of the challenging parts of learning something new is that it can be an isolating experience and at times you may feel like the motivation is fading. At 7 Cups Academy, we understand your support needs. We have mentors who check in with you regularly to help you navigate the set of requirements and to offer support and encouragement. Additionally, we believe in a student-led approach. Feedback from our trainees results in constant improvements to the program’s coursework and structure. An example of this is our launch of group check-ins where academy trainees can connect with fellow trainees and share experiences. Why choose 7 Cups Academy? * All of our programs are completely free * 1-1 mentor support to help you graduate * You choose your program duration and can seek extensions * Our programs focus on hands-on practical training * The programs offer training in sought-after professional skills * You will be provided with a certificate and a badge upon successful completion * You will train among a group of like-minded individuals who you can learn from * It is a great way to work towards a 7 Cups role. Academy graduates gain relevant experience that makes them good candidates for 7 Cups roles within that focus. * All graduates (from any of the academy programs) can request a letter of recommendation * We provide 7 Cups work verifications, references for school/university/work applications * Not only will we provide you with valuable training, but we can also verify your work experience if needed. Listeners can sign up for the following programs! Please note the key content learned can vary based on the electives you choose. 1. 7 Cups Internship Program The 7 Cups internship program provides participants with the unique experience of giving back to those in need while gaining in-field experience. Even if you are not from the mental health field, it allows you to gain professional experience by working through a structured program, improving listening, communication, time management, and many other skills. “Participating in the 7cups Internship Program was a valuable experience for me. The experience, knowledge, and skills I've gained in the program helped me excel in my professional, academic, and even personal life. As an intern, I worked on developing communication skills, active listening, and empathy, all valuable skills for employers.” - kindFish9215 (7 Cups Internship Graduate)  "7Cups internship was a great start to my 7Cups Academy programs. It was an amazing experience as I got to take challenging chats and learned a lot from them. The best part about the 7 Cups Internship is that it is easier than you think. The only thing required is to manage all your tasks appropriately. With this internship, I learned how to be more organized, the importance of time management and I became more responsible." - lyricalAngel70 (7 Cups Internship Graduate) What does the Internship Program offer? * Further, develop active listening and communication skills * Build therapeutic relationships with users/members of the site. * Create a personal profile page that highlights your interests and future career goals. * Learn from other veteran listeners in the community. * Two tracks to choose from based on your availability * Key content learned in the program: * Extend listening support to groups and forums * Tools and techniques for mastering time management * Gained specialization in at least different chat topics of intern’s choice * Components of community building * Peer Core Competencies * Applying learned knowledge in 1-1 member listening sessions The program is best suited for: * Users who are interested in the field of psychology * Users who wish to complete a program where the core focus in listening in a 1-1 setting * Users who wish to have a basic understanding of a variety of topics * Users who are new to the academy and unsure which program best suits their interests. * Users who are completing their degree/school-related practicum * Users who are active as listeners but would like to have more structure and accountability Requirements to join * Have an active listener account 📢Please apply here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4bE9G0KjrB_xESwr_oUhBEZFS2pgyyqznLQtNPfhofR-T0g/viewform] 2. Content Development and Marketing Program (CDM Program) The program will aid your understanding of best writing practices essential to creating content that relates to and contributes to awareness and support of topics that fall in the mental health industry. It will not only enhance your communication and writing skills but also provide a chance to research and generate ideas and publish finalized articles and content at 7 Cups. Moreover, it will allow you to understand an aspect of SEO-based writing applications as well as effective social media marketing strategies that help boost and enhance the valued content you will produce. "Completing the program was a game-changer! You learn rapidly and get to use your new skills on your assignments right away. This course is a must for mastering social media marketing! I had great support from other 7 Cups listeners. I could not recommend this course enough!" - babyangel (Content Development and Marketing Program Graduate)  "This program allowed me to get a great base knowledge of content developing and marketing in social media. I really appreciated the support shown by my mentors and loved the creative projects. So honoured and grateful for the opportunity to go through this learning experience." - broadfemmelovelive (Content Development and Marketing Program Graduate)  What does the CDM Program offer? * In-depth content and marketing development guide/lessons * Hands-On Activities * Mentor Feedback * Expert Support * Practical Experience leading to on-site publication  * Usage of graphics — Creator Portfolio building on-site Key content learned in the program: * How to promote content using social media * Social media graphic tips * Social media outreach and support * Writing best practices * SEO and ranking tips such as Google’s EAT factors * Headlining and subheadlining content * Effective writer biography writing * Content auditing and review The program is best suited for: * Users interested in starting freelance opportunities for content or graphic creation * Users interested in joining Content domain roles at 7 Cups * Users interested in marketing their own business/content. * Users interested in learning about effective mental health research and social media conversations. * Psychology students with a passion for research and writing. * Anyone interested in breaking mental health stigma through research, writing, and social media usage. Requirements to Join! Be a Listener for 2 weeks and have at least 10 1-on-1 Chats 📢Please apply here! [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGEJKlio46Vu6_cQNn7a0h2tLAiOYe-UhW_6usG-yZUWYHDA/viewform] 3. Leadership Development Program (LDP Program) The program is designed to help you become a strong leader. It includes both theoretical and practical components and is spread over 6-8 weeks. It takes a personal approach and starts with helping you identify and build upon your natural gifts and strengths. There is a learning-by-doing practical component where you practice what you learn by serving in a community domain alongside other leaders in either the engagement or quality programs. "It truly changed my outlook on what really makes up a leader. From identifying my strengths and aptitudes to conflict-resolutions, I was able to learn more about myself in so many ways. I didn't just learn how to be a leader, but also a more ethical and courteous person." - Nerdtastic01 "I am a listener and leader on the site,  it has been one amazing experience to serve in the roles. LDP has been an enriching experience in exploring my leadership aptitude as well as honing my leadership skills . Overall a great experience,  with wonderful mentors ready to support us anytime during the whole program." - Sunisshiningandsoareyou  What does the LDP offer? * In-depth learning of personal strengths and weaknesses and how they impact your leadership skill * Focused content on cultural diversity * In-depth study of building and maintaining thriving communities as a leader * In-depth look into foundational leadership principles * Introduction to leadership on 7 Cups and the opportunity to acquire a leadership role before graduation from the program. Key content learned in the program * Gaining self-awareness through personality tests (Myers & Briggs, The Big 5 and the Enneagram) * In-depth knowledge of building and maintaining communities * Supporting fellow trainees * Components of personal leadership * Study of Foundational Leadership Principles * Lessons on cultural diversity * Obtaining a leadership role The program is best suited for * Users interested in improving their self-awareness * Users interested in understanding the dynamics of thriving communities * Users interested in learning how to become great leaders * Users interested in service leadership * Users interested in joining leadership roles at 7 Cups * Users looking to expand their knowledge of diversity and cultural acceptance * Users who are already active in the community but wish to contribute more in a leadership role * Users looking to advance in their leadership roles on or outside 7 Cups Requirements to join! * Verified Listener [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/ListenerVerificationProject_1839/GetVerifiedon7Cups_290064/] If you are not a verified listener, you can still enroll in LDP as long as you have submitted the application form AND you meet the requirements to become a verified listener. 📢Please apply here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFeU5WrT04UvHHn3FDi_0g-XL2ja3Dzh694i9EEUzSM8z3SQ/viewform] 4. Quality Listening Program The Quality Listening Program Program is a comprehensive study of active listening components ranging from a refresher on basics to extensive training in advanced active listening components that can help trainees develop a more proactive listening approach by working with the members to create and implement support plans. "The Quality Listening Program enhanced my active listening skills, offering a chance to make a positive impact while improving myself. It prioritized practical experience over theory while also providing necessary theoretical coursework for effective practical experiences." - ABrightBlueHeart "The program helped me in ways I couldnt imagine at first. The program gave me directions, it helped me find pieces of puzzles of how to be a better listener and support my members and community. The Member Support Guide is honestly really underrated! I used that as a blueprint, but I wrote a lot of my own to make it personalized to me." - GuiOakes What does the QLP offer? * In-depth study of active listening components * Choice of topic focus in active listening * Utilizing best practices guide to improve listening quality * Testing personal areas of improvement in active listening * Applying learned knowledge in 1-1 chat sessions * Becoming a master active listener Key content learned in the program * Creating support plans with members * Applying visualization techniques in chat settings * Supporting long-term members in accordance with member needs * Components of quality in active listening * Quality programs available at 7 Cups * Completing 5 listener quizzes on general participation in the community, safety, handling different chat scenarios, and being inclusive as a listener. The program is best suited for: * Users who are interested in the field of psychology * Users who wish to complete a program where the core focus in listening in a 1-1 setting * Users who wish to specialize in active listening * Users who wish to pursue quality leadership roles Requirements to Join * 20 1-1 Chats (each chat is 30 messages exchanged between a member and a listening in private messages) * Read the best practices support guide [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dt4FYNzYIgvY1Zz6q1FY-5WZapRNETQ-4ZAYBOWl39s/edit] 📢Please apply here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciIIZZr7E0hpyyRY-6jAubEVrl38CIlwZTGTN5NiuHOmjf3A/viewform] Our Onboarding Practices Please note that we do weekly onboarding every Monday. Applicants must apply at least 5 days before their desired start date. There are limited seats available for each academy program’s weekly batches and we onboard applicants on a first come first serve basis after checking for requirements to join the programs. If eligible, you will get the acceptance email 2-3 days before your desired start date. If you change your username after applying or at any point during the program, you need to inform the program lead to remain in the program. You can find them here.  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/General_2438/AcademyLeadsWholeadswhat_314037/] If you are sent the acceptance email, please remember to respond before the start date mentioned, otherwise your application will be unsuccessful. Our academy graduates' advice to the people who wish to become a part of 7 Cups Academy: * “It is always good to gain new knowledge. Trust yourself and dare to move forward on your own path because you are capable of it.”- Mankka * “7 Cups Academy has great programs with amazing mentors who have designed them in such a fashion that you can complete them conveniently without hassle. These programs are not only free but they add great value to your resume and professional field through their learning and practical lessons. It's a worth-grabbing deal, just go for it!” - lyricalAngel70 * “Don’t be afraid to dive deeper into the material. All of the Academy programs are designed to elicit critical thinking skills and exploration, so the key to getting the most out of these programs is to open your mind and swim gradually into the deeper waters of the concepts.” - Nerdtastic01 * “Use your mentor/mentors made available to you. Ask any questions you need too” - womerz * “Take your time, its self paced for a reason 💙 Relax and just read the instructions thoroughly. Also try to create some time management methods, the deadlines provided will reassure that you have more than enough time to complete all graduation requirements” - SirenOfSerenity * “Go through all the documents and lists of requirements and make sure you understand what you need to do early on.” - MagnificentSunrise
7 Cups Academy LinkedIn Endorsements/Recommendations
by Hope
Last post
 March 28th
...See more All 7 Cups academy graduates are eligible to request a LinkedIn endorsement and/or recommendation. Criteria for endorsement: We will endorse up to 3 skills for each program (in case you have graduated from multiple programs). The skills need to be relevant to the program you completed. Relevant Skills you can enlist for each of the academy programs. You are welcome to enlist more/others as long as they are relevant. 7 Cups Internship ✦ Active Listening ✦ Time management ✦ Communication Leadership Development Program ✦ Leadership ✦ Time management ✦ Cultural Awareness ✦ Communication Content Development and Marketing ✦ Web content writing ✦ Digital Marketing ✦ Creative writing Quality Listening Program ✦ Active Listening ✦ Communication ✦ Time management You must have listed the skills before you submit the request for them to be endorsed. We offer skills endorsement and recommendations for all academy programs even if they are no longer available. If you completed the Building Community Program or the Group Support Program, you are also eligible.  LinkedIn Recommendations In order to receive LinkedIn recommendations. Please make sure you have enlisted your program under work experience. Note - At the time of requesting an endorsement, you must be active on 7 Cups (either as a listener or in a leadership role). Additionally, you must have no behavior reports for at least the last 3 months. If you are eligible for the program then please submit the following form. The processing is done within a week. Open form here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVQitLOnsMnXBltX9eWWN_tx1ZV5mVvkKB9vn2o4GgVgsZAQ/viewform] Please note that we reserve the right to remove our recommendation/verification if we find out any guideline violation in the recent past or if you violate our community guidelines in future. ------------------------- 📌This post is brought to you by the 7 Cups Academy Team.  * Programs for Members [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/AcademyPrograms_2311/AcademyProgramsforMembers2024_323807/] * Programs for Listeners [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/AcademyPrograms_2311/AcademyProgramsforMembers2024_323807/] * Academy Courses for Members and Listeners [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/General_2438/AcademyCoursesMasterpost_319750/] Last updated on Sep 16, 2024
Group Dynamics Course
by Hope
Last post
 Thursday
...See more Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well. Some time ago we discontinued the Group Support Program and announced that we will be converting it to a course that will be offered soon. I am happy to report that the course is here!  Welcome to the Group Dynamics Course, a professional development journey designed to unlock the power of group interaction and elevate your leadership skills. You'll gain mastery over the nuances of group behavior, equipping you to navigate the complexities of teamwork and harness the collective power of individuals. The course combines theoretical and practical knowledge. You'll explore: * Unlock Growth & Potential: Witness the dynamic stages of group development, learning how to nurture collaboration, overcome challenges, and foster individual and collective growth. * Lead with Confidence: Develop your leadership skills by mastering the art of guiding conversations, resolving conflicts, and inspiring participation. * Embrace Diversity: We'll explore the richness of differences within each group, empowering you to leverage unique perspectives and experiences for a stronger whole. * Put Your Skills to Work: Step into the real world with our engaging practicum. You'll lead your group session using a script you select, gaining valuable experience and confidence. * Upon successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘dynamic’ badge and a certificate that can be added to your resume.  Requirements to graduate from the course Now that you know what you will learn when you have completed all the components to graduate from this course, let's take a look at what the course consists of. This is a list of tasks/requirements to graduate from the course.  1. Review and participate in all discussions of the course. They are as follows: * Discussion 1: Introduction to Group Support [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/GroupDynamicsCourse_2663/Discussion1IntroductiontoGroupSupport_325805/] * Discussion 2: Building a Group [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/GroupDynamicsCourse_2663/Discussion2BuildingaGroup_325806/] * Discussion 3: Group Development [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/General_2438/Discussion3GroupDevelopment_325807/] * Discussion 4: Navigating the Group Dynamic & Exploring the Leader’s Toolkit [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/General_2438/Discussion4NavigatingtheGroupDynamicExploringtheLeadersToolkit_325809/]   * Discussion 5: Ethical & Cultural Considerations in Group Management [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/GroupDynamicsCourse_2663/Discussion5EthicalCulturalConsiderationsinGroupManagement_325818/] The discussion posts are taken from the group support program’s coursework and updated as per need.  2. Participate in member or listener group support rooms (members will only participate in member rooms, listeners have the choice to pick one side). * Listeners are required to have the sparkler or tiny chat badge. Sparkler is earned by sending 500 messages in member rooms and a tiny chat badge is earned by sending 500 messages in listener rooms. You only need one.  * Members need to earn the Group chatter badge (500 messages sent in member rooms) You can send these messages over some time, at your own pace and they will accumulate towards the badge. If you already have the badge, you have satisfied this requirement. But we do recommend that you spend some time practicing the knowledge acquired in this course.  3. Host 1-hour long session in the 7 Cups Academy Room.  * Choose your script from this document. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jpq3EF5eSzqd-ffQ0FwrIKi23AZqcOmGoONkxv-Sd34/edit] If you wish to host on a topic not available, please contact Suryansh [https://www.7cups.com/@Suryansh]to inquire about the possibility of hosting on a topic you are interested in.  * Follow this guide [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WqI_xMAoSd0bqe7dqdu17vPVr9HXISMNc6NvTDHogJE/edit?disco=AAAA-Z9LcMQ&usp_dm=true]to ensure you are hosting as per expectations.  * Book the 7 Cups Academy Room here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/AcademySessions_2207/Bookthe7CupsAcademyRoomHere_326026/]to ensure your session does not clash with anyone else.  You are expected to have completed coursework before hosting the session.  The group chats you earn while hosting the session will be counted towards the required group participation badge if you have chosen to focus on member rooms.  4. Once all these requirements are met (steps 1-3), you can submit our course evaluation quiz. This is the last step. You need to score a minimum of 12/15. You can submit it again if you do not. We recommend you save your subjective questions' answers on a document to resubmit if need be.  📌Open Course Form Here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScojnpfb4dE0snBEzWc0k2am6VqPcEDeUet6_CC4sE_yb9lGQ/viewform] Course requirements summary in the recommended order.  * Review and participate in all aforementioned forum posts. * Acquire or has the sparkler (L), tiny chat (L) or group chatter (M) badge. (You need only one) * Host 1 hour long session in the 7 Cups Academy room choosing from the given list of scripts.  * Submit course quiz/evaluation form.  Thank you to @asilentobserver for assisting in the planning of this course and for creating the original group dynamics program on which this course is based. Thank you to @Suryansh for helping create supplementary documents and supporting the launch of the course.  Note:  If you intend to use Artificial Intelligence tools to help you fulfill any of the course’s requirements, you are expected to adhere to our AI policy. You can read it here. [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/AnnouncementsandUpdates_2197/7CupsAcademysAIPolicy_326219/] ------------------------- Note added on March 26, 2024
Discussion 5: Ethical & Cultural Considerations in Group Management
by Hope
Last post
 August 3rd
...See more Hi everyone, I hope you are doing well. This is the last coursework post of the Group Dynamics Course Navigating the Ethical Compass: This discussion delves into the vital role of ethics, cultural sensitivity, and proficient group management in cultivating strong and supportive environments. While good intentions pave the way, ethical competence takes it a step further, requiring knowledge and adherence to professional codes and guidelines. Guiding Principles, Inside and Out: * Privacy and Confidentiality: Members trust group leaders with their stories, often shared in the intimacy of one-on-one sessions. As a leader, respect these boundaries. Never divulge information shared in private unless explicitly brought up by the member in the group setting. * Leading by Example: Be the embodiment of your community guidelines. Intervene to ensure respectful interactions, but remember, you are the model. Follow the rules you uphold and demonstrate the conduct you expect from others. * Unwavering Impartiality: Treat every member with equal respect and fairness. Avoid favoritism or bias, even if you connect with some more personally. Make decisions based on objective criteria, earning trust as a leader who stands against negativity and champions inclusivity. Embracing Diversity and Harmony Embracing diversity and harmony involves a variety of factors and considerations but the following two are one of the most impactful.  * Celebrating Cultural Differences: Acknowledge and appreciate the unique backgrounds of your group members. Recognize diversity as a strength, facilitating connections across cultural boundaries by highlighting shared human experiences. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages open communication. * Navigating Conflict with Skill: Misunderstandings and disagreements are inevitable in group settings. Be prepared to step in as a mediator, promoting a calm and respectful resolution. Listen to all perspectives, address the issue fairly, and guide the group back to a healthy and supportive dynamic. Diversity Among Members in the Group Lets talk about diversity in groups!  Sure, groups might share broad themes like "anxiety support" or "relationship issues." But within these categories lies a kaleidoscope of individualities. Think of members grappling with social anxiety, test anxiety, or health anxiety – each a distinct thread in the tapestry. Our understanding of identity and difference stems from complex roots. Biases, social categorizations, and power dynamics all play a role. As leaders, acknowledging these influences is crucial to creating a truly inclusive space. * Stepping into Each Other's Shoes: Imagine a member struggling with mental health while navigating cultural or religious aspects. Our empathy and understanding can bridge these gaps. By sharing diverse experiences and fostering open dialogue, we build a foundation of trust and connection. * Tools for Inclusive Leadership: Beyond mere acknowledgment, let's equip ourselves with tools to actively leverage diversity. This means embracing constructive conflict, encouraging diverse participation, and celebrating unique contributions. Remember, every voice adds richness to the group's symphony. * From Leaders to Community Weavers: Think of ourselves not just as leaders, but as weavers, skillfully blending individual threads into a cohesive and vibrant whole. By embracing diversity, we create groups that are not just supportive, but also innovative and resilient. Question for reflection - Think of a time you have facilitated a group chat or discussion (you can imagine/assume if you have yet to facilitate), and share an ethical, cultural, or group management issue you observed. How would you address it using the principles discussed, ensuring a safe and enriching space for all? This post is part of the Group Dynamics Course's requirements. More information on the course can be found here. (Not yet launched)
Discussion 4: Navigating the Group Dynamic & Exploring the Leader’s Toolkit
by Hope
Last post
 August 3rd
...See more Hi everyone! Welcome to discussion 4! While individual support nurtures personal growth, group settings offer a unique avenue for shared experiences and mutual progress. This step delves into the transformative role of a group leader, highlighting the skills and qualities that turn gatherings into powerful journeys of collective support. Navigating the Group Dynamic: * Managing Collective Anxiety: Unlike one-on-one encounters, groups harbor diverse emotions, including initial anxieties about sharing and judgment. An effective leader acknowledges these concerns, fostering a safe space for open communication and inclusivity. * Orchestrating the Flow: Group dynamics offer valuable insights into how individuals behave in social settings. By understanding these interactions, leaders can structure the group for optimal engagement. This includes deciding on open discussions, turn-based sharing, or a blend based on the specific group's needs. * Knowing When to Guide: Intervention styles vary from leader to leader, and the ideal approach adapts to the group's dynamics. While some groups thrive on self-driven support, others might require gentle nudges or timely interventions to address disruptive behavior or ensure inclusivity. The Leader's Toolkit This step talks about all the tools that can help leaders excel in a group setting.  * Personal Compass: Effective group leaders draw from a wellspring of personal qualities. Authenticity, active listening, unwavering integrity, and genuine confidence build trust and foster connections within the group. * Empathy as Fuel: At the heart of effective leadership lies deep empathy. By understanding and respecting each member's journey, the leader empowers open communication, encourages action, and celebrates individual progress. * Modeling the Way: Leaders set the tone for the group. Their level of activity, participation, and professionalism directly impact the group's overall dynamics. By leading with enthusiasm and support, they inspire group members to mirror these positive behaviors, cultivating a collaborative and encouraging environment. Question for reflection - Imagine you're a group leader, envisioning your ideal "support room" and group dynamic. What tool from the leaders toolkit would you find most useful? This post is part of the Group Dynamics Course's requirements. More information on the course can be found here. (Not yet launched)
Discussion 3: Group Development
by Hope
Last post
 August 3rd
...See more Hi everyone! I hope you have been benefitting from our coursework. We’ve been talking about group building.  But, to stay on track is to develop the group you built and ensure the therapeutic factors are utilized effectively to maintain group support success. There are two parts to this discussion: * Group Development * Therapeutic Factors 1. Group Development: It is identified that there are 4 stages of a group once built. Each stage has its own needs and goals that must be addressed as the group progresses through each stage. The role of the group facilitator and group members also changes as the group progresses. All groups are progressive and unique. You cannot compare the development of the Relationship Support Room with Depression Support or any other chat room. Some groups would experience and gain a lot and some may not. That’s why the success of a group depends on how the leader leads & supports the group and how the group members participate. 2. Therapeutic Factors To develop the group, therapeutic factors play a significant role. Dr. Irvin D. Yalom conducted research and outlined the key therapeutic principles derived from it. * Instills hope: The group contains members at different stages of their struggles or challenges. And, seeing people who are coping or recovering gives hope to those at the beginning of the process. It is a reminder to them that they are not alone and they can also progress by taking the required steps. * Universality: Being part of a group of people who have the same experiences helps people see that what they are going through is universal and that they are not alone. They develop a sense of belonging and a feeling of being part of the community. * Imparting information: They can help each other by sharing information, and stories to develop a connection, and a healthy discussion. * Altruism: They can share their strengths and help others in the group, which can boost self-esteem and confidence. It allows them to have the courage to take steps to progress. * The corrective recapitulation of the primary family group: The group is a sort of family. Within the group, each member can explore how different experiences contributed to personality and behavioral changes. They can also learn to avoid behaviors that are destructive or unhelpful for them. * Development of socialization techniques: The group setting is a great place to practice new behaviors. The setting is safe and supportive, allowing group members to experiment without the fear of failure. Develop a sense of accountability and celebrate small and big wins to boost confidence. * Imitative behavior: Each individual can model the behavior of other members of the group or observe and imitate the behavior of the leader to develop the same qualities or skills to develop and grow. * Interpersonal learning: By interacting regularly with other individuals of the group and receiving feedback from the group or the facilitator, members can become more self-aware and develop self-love and esteem as well. * Group cohesiveness: As there is a common goal, members gain a sense of belonging and community feeling. * Existential factors: While interacting with the group and gaining support and feedback. They also learn they are responsible for their own lives, actions, and choices. They could progress by taking charge of it and making better decisions. A therapeutic factor is an element of a group that potentially benefits one or more individuals in the group. A reminder that all therapeutic factors mentioned in this discussion shouldn’t be assumed to have the same impact on all but it should investigate their impact on different members of the group. Overall, it is helpful and keys for effective group development. Question for reflection - Consider a personal experience you've had in a group setting (online or offline). How did the dynamics of the group and the presence (or absence) of therapeutic factors influence your own experience and growth within the group? This post is part of the Group Dynamics Course's requirements. More information on the course can be found here. (Not yet launched)
Discussion 2: Building a Group
by Hope
Last post
 August 3rd
...See more Hi everyone! As you may have observed and noticed, some chat rooms are the busiest space while some are pretty quiet or slow. That means many factors contribute to group building. It could be the topic, time of the day, members already there, social anxiety, facilitator, and so on. Each one of them has a critical role in keeping the room active and supportive. The first thing to acknowledge: 7Cups is a global platform. We are available to 189 countries and we have users who speak more than 140+ languages. That is, we have a large group of diversified members and have demographic and cultural differences. But, the challenge is how to connect them. So, to do that, we structured and created certain rules and policies to facilitate group interaction. One of them is to use English as a common language to communicate. As per the research, 20% of the Earth's population speaks English, that is, the highest percentage for a language used for communication followed by Mandarin. Then, we placed the chatroom rules regarding what is acceptable or unacceptable behavior in the chatroom so we are able to ensure the room is well moderated, safe, healthy, and compassionate space to connect and interact to get and provide support to each other. That means to build a group, you need to identify the common grounds, and based on that you can structure a group for group support. Anxiety Support Room, for example, serves the purpose to support the members struggling with anxiety or to share the progress they make and what is working for them. Sharing Circle Room, another example, serves the purpose of the most structured and uninterrupted space to share and vent. So, how as a group specialist/ facilitator, or leader, one sets up the group is crucially important for its success. One needs to have an eye for details, and structural features of a group to ensure a good environment for participation. It is important to reduce unproductive anxiety, foster compassionate interaction among the members, increase the likelihood of good attendance and active participation, therapeutic processes, and discourage any unhealthy cliques to build a healthy group. Here is how you build and maintain effective groups! * Common Ground: Identify shared interests, needs, or experiences to bond diverse members. (e.g., Anxiety Support Room, Sharing Circle Room) * Clear Structure: Set rules, norms, and schedules to create a safe and predictable environment. * Facilitator Expertise: Skilled moderators foster compassionate interaction, reduce anxiety, and encourage participation. * Global Awareness: Respect cultural differences and utilize English as a bridge language. Question for reflection - Think of one topic you would like to create a group on.  * What is the common ground for the target participants? * What structure will you put in place? * How will it be facilitated? * How will you account for time zones, language differences, and differences in culture if it is a cross-cultural group?  This post is part of the Group Dynamics Course's requirements. More information on the course can be found here. (Not yet launched)
Discussion 1: Introduction to Group Support
by Hope
Last post
 August 3rd
...See more Hi everyone! This is the first post of the course. Before we embark on the leadership and development aspects of groups, let's step back and immerse ourselves in the heart of 7Cups: Group Support. Group support transcends the dictionary definition of a mere collection of individuals. It's a dynamic arena where attitudes, behaviors, and growth intertwine to create a powerful tapestry of connection and transformation. At 7Cups, we started with personalized 1-on-1 support, but our community yearned for more. Recognizing the unique power of collective interaction, we nurtured group support as a safe haven for learning, sharing, and collective growth. We meticulously crafted chat rooms – not just as communication channels, but as embraceable spaces where diverse needs and aspirations blossom. Today, over 150 dedicated chat rooms cater to a spectrum of purposes, catering to both adults and teens, listeners and members. From finding solace and navigating challenges to celebrating milestones and forging vibrant bonds, these rooms ignite the magic of belonging. Moving forward, we identified the needs of moderating these rooms, so we introduced the chat room moderator role, figured out we need facilitators to lead different sessions in the chat rooms, so added Support Session Leader and On-spot Host as the recent addition to it. We figured out the safety issues in the chat rooms, and we badge locked the rooms. So as we learned more about the needs and demands, we kept iterating and evolving group support for better experiences and support for everyone. We are on a journey to build the best group support. And, we will continue to progress … Remember, active participation in these discussions and activities is your stepping stone to implementing your learnings within the chat rooms, actively contributing to the vibrant landscape of group support. Let's embark on this collaborative journey, where growth happens not just individually, but in the pulsating heart of our empowered community! Question for reflection - Which group room do you like to spend the most time in and why? This post is part of the Group Dynamics Course's requirements. More information on the course can be found here. (Not yet launched)

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