Discussion 2: Building a Group
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)
@Hope
Self-Compassion and Self-Care
Common Ground for Target Participants: Listeners and members who want to focus on self-care. They may be experiencing stress, self-criticism, or burnout and are looking for support and guidance in practicing self-compassion and self-care.
Structure:
- Provides insights, practical tips & discussions
- Participants can share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs related to self-compassion and self-care.
- Lead guided icebreakers, relaxation exercises, or journaling prompts to help participants
- Encourage peer support by facilitating group discussions and offering constructive feedback and encouragement to participants.
- Provide accountability and support to help participants stay committed to their goals.
Facilitation:
- Provides mindfulness tips, self-compassion practices, activities, daily check-in, etc
- Discussions and can share their experience and look for more ideas from others.
Time Zones, Language Differences, and Cultural Considerations:
- Discussions at different times to accommodate participants from diverse time zones
- English will be the language for communication
- Consider cultural perspectives on self-compassion and self-care
Question for reflection - Think of one topic you would like to create a group on.
I will use this to reflect on the Disability Support Room which at the moment is somewhat lacking in participation.
What is the common ground for the target participants?
For the most part, the people who visit the room all have disabilities in common, either being disabled themselves or caring for someone who has a disability. The topics that interest them will all be affected by their personal situation. It can help to find out what conditions and disabilities other visitors to the room have, and more specifically how others copeWhat structure will you put in place?
The room has a set description. “Listen to others, share your struggles, or simply support others in this 24/7 open group chat. This group chat doesn’t tolerate any unsupportive behavior. Let's participate and support each other to create a more inclusive society where everyone can participate and thrive.”
There is zero tolerance for any kind of abusive or unsupportive behavior. This is reflected in the 7 Cups Community Terms of Service, and also in the Disability Support Community Guidelines which are linked in the room.
Using a regular schedule for discussions can be very helpful so that people can plan and know when they are able to join in with a host. It is important that the regulars that inhabit the room are aware of what is happening, as this is a Member room that is open 24 hours every day.How will it be facilitated?
I am a Mentor and Moderator for the room, and I will be present for the discussions so that I can help to ensure safer discussions that are friendly and enlightening. I will also be making sure that any of my Team are trained and fully confident in how to host and work with a room and the participants. It is important that any discussion hosts are compassionate and understand the purpose of the room whilst being aware that if they are a Listener then there are strict boundaries on supporting others and not seeking support or sharing too much about their own disability or condition; we are there to support the Members.How will you account for time zones, language differences, and differences in culture if it is a cross-cultural group?
The language is English and that will be enforced as per 7 Cups guidelines. Timezones can be tricky, I have been holding discussions on different days and times to see when a mutually convenient time plan can be made., I am confident that having a few set times will mean that the room will grow in engagement.
It is always important to bear in mind different countries have different healthcare systems, so we need to be open and judgment-free, and be very careful to not give advice.
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@Hope
Phobia Support Group
Common Ground for Target Participants: Anyone who has a phobia that restricts them in any way. The phobia may be big or small but poses a relevant distress to someone in their everyday life.
Structure:
Interactive discussions that are group-led
Members are encouraged to check in with their thoughts for the day and any specific topic that is distressing them at the moment.
It is a listening, or speaking format so that people can find their comfort level where they are at.
People can type or speak (when applicable) and are encouraged to engage in active listening to provide relevant lived experience.
Links and websites may be provided along with coping methods and additional resources to help an individual who needs guidance.
Crisis response support is available at all times for members if they happen to need it.
Additional time to reflect, discuss, or connect is encouraged if someone is having a more difficult day.
Facilitation:
Everyone has a fair chance to speak.
All questions or concerns by members are addressed appropriately.
The group will have clear guidelines about the time of the meeting
Time Zones, Language Differences, and Cultural Considerations:
The discussion is broken into different sections of interest for people so they can navigate fluidly.
The chats and need for 1:1 interaction are open 24/7.
My room would be the listener support room
1 listeners want to help members and those who have leadership roles for lsr.
2 what I see that works is laid back room but support is numembe priority . Also rules and no conflict helps too..
3 do what I have been doing. Be my kind supportive self with me willing help out when I can.
4 time zone can be hard. Open mined only one language.
Common Ground: Identify shared interests, needs, or experiences to bond diverse members. I would pick a disability room if I had to pick a room to identify common interests and diverse bonds for myself because I was born with a disability and I could connect with others facing similar challenges.
Creating a safe and predictable environment requires setting rules, norms, and schedules. I would set rules so we could talk about anything we wanted to without being judged based on the way we view our experiences with disabilities because everyone has a different perspective.
A skilled facilitator promotes compassionate interaction, reduces anxiety, and encourages participation. Our stories and perspectives should be respected by a skilled facilitator who is knowledgeable about disabilities. Resources and support should also be available when needed.
Embrace cultural differences and use English to bridge cultural gaps.
Reflection question - Choose a topic you would like to form a group around. Inclusion, acceptance, and awareness should be the focus of the group
Where do the target participants have a common ground? Each of them would have a disability and understand what it's like to live with a disability, and those who have loved ones with disabilities will also be included in the conversation.
Is there a structure you plan to put in place? Members should be able to share their stories and experiences at regular meetings, as well as provide resources to the group. In addition to spreading awareness and advocating for disability rights, the group should also target inclusion and acceptance.
Is it going to be facilitated in any way? Facilitators should be experienced and members should come from a variety of backgrounds. The group should collect regular surveys and feedback to ensure that its goals are being met. The group should also create an action plan with clear steps for achieving its goals.
How will you handle time zones, language differences, and cultural differences if the group is cross-cultural? As soon as the group process begins, this should be discussed. Furthermore, everyone should be on the same page by clearly defining roles and responsibilities.
@Hope
I will go with anxiety support.
What is the common ground for the target participants?
anxiety. Either from social anxiety, past trauma, work stress, relationship stress. Panic attacks And etc. Since it affects a wide range of topics.
What structure will you put in place?
Having moderators in the room, giving space for each member to share what's on their mind, not showing favoritism.
How will it be facilitated?
I think taking tiny steps towards a less anxiety life style. It can be by coping strategies, applying the good use of distraction, paying attention to the reasons causing the anxiety, sharing the progress.
How will you account for time zones, language differences, and differences in culture if it is a cross-cultural group?
I will make sure to set the discussions at a time which I feel members are more active during the day. And make sure that we speak English.
1 think a more welcoming group for people with disabilities and did people
2 have a clear purpose for the room and expectations.
3 as said clear purpose and expections. Being open minded understanding and willing to learn about these topics and best way to treat these people.
4 open minded be awareness of cultural differences and time zones.
@Hope
@Hope
Question for reflection - Think of one topic you would like to create a group on.
What is the common ground for the target participants?
-listeners and members who are willing to share any feelings or any problems or vent out they can do that without any reason cause sometimes just sharing your feelings helps alot with your condition.
What structure will you put in place?
-Welcome and Purpose
-Everyone has a fair chance to speak.
-No Cross-Talking
-Final Thoughts
How will it be facilitated?
-Facilitating a sharing circle where participants can share their feelings and vent out requires careful planning and a supportive approach.
How will you account for time zones, language differences, and differences in culture if it is a cross-cultural group?
-Scheduling: Use a scheduling tool like Doodle or World Time Buddy to find a time that works for all participants across different time zones. Aim for a time that falls within regular waking hours for everyone involved.
-Allow Only English language
-Develop inclusive ground rules that respect cultural differences. Encourage participants to share any cultural practices or norms that the group should be aware of.
@Hope
I would like to put a Skills Discussion Group in place.
Because I have a busy schedule running my own business, I would announce the times on a thread dedicated to the course at least 24 hours in advance.