Discussion 01: Introduction to Group Support
Before we dive into the Group Leadership & Development aspects, it is important to know what 7Cups Group Support.
As per Merriam Webster Dictionary, Group is a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship. While group dynamics are the attitudinal and behavioral characteristics of a group. It is focused on how groups form, their structure and process, and how they operate. More specifically, why and how groups develop.
This is what you will notice in the 7 Cups Group Support. 7Cups started with providing support 1-1s. But as we grew up, we realized that 1-1s are not enough. There is a need for group interaction as well. To meet the community's needs and demands, we added group support. We created and used chat rooms to structure a safe environment to facilitate group support. We have dedicated chat rooms for both listeners and members to provide support as per their needs.
Currently, we have more than 150+ chat rooms to serve different purposes and needs of both members and listeners community for both adults and teens. Amazing! Right?
We are a vast community and we recognize our diversified members and their needs and demands. And, these chat rooms became safe spaces to connect, interact, engage, learn, share, and grow collectively. These rooms are not only used for support reasons but also to brainstorm and problem solves, celebrate small and big achievements, and gain a sense of belonging to this community.
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 …
Discussion: Share 3 highs and 3 lows you experienced in the group support chatroom!
Activity: Respond to at least two of your fellow trainees' comments with thoughts on their share.
After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next discussion here! Ensure to implement the learning from these discussions in the chat rooms to build and support the group. You must take part in the brainstorming/activities given in all of these discussions to successfully complete the program.
3 High
Listeners participating in discussions hosted by the Listener Discussion Team
Helping in the LSR and having fun conversations with people that are there a lot
Listeners participating in Listener Sharing Circle
3 Low
Having to deal with conflict in the LSR
No peer support or chat support available
No mods available in LSR and a bad situation is going on
@ASilentObserver
Heyo!
These are the highs and lows I personally experienced-
3 highs-
1) Most of the people were super supportive and always ready to help.
2) They help me laugh out all my dumb and silly mistakes that I happened to commit.
3) A lot of people started noticing me and gave nice compliments whenever they saw me around. And so, I made a ton of great friends.
3 lows-
1) Of course not all were nice. One particular listener openly called me an 'idiot' when I didn't happen to know where to find the appropriate crisis resources.
2) I've seen listeners arguing sometimes and using profanity in the chat.
3) I've also noticed some sharing suicidal thoughts and other serious personal issues openly, which can be very triggering for certain people.
Thanks a ton and have a great day :)
@ASilentObserver
Share 3 highs and 3 lows you experienced in the group support chatroom!
1. High - It's just wonderful to see people enjoying the discussion and being kind and supportive to each other
2. High - It feels sooo good to hear from a member that the discussion helps them
3. High - Feeling appreciated for what I do, for the links I give or additional inormation to help members
1. Low - Having issues to read fast enough and not understanding some words (language issues)
2. Low - A group needs time to adjust to a new mod, which is normal and I understand now but in the beginning it did not feel that easy
3. Low - Particularly in the beginning it felt disturbing having people in the room being rough to others
@ASilentObserver thank you for this nice encouragement to reflect on my experience and learn from others😊
My 3 highs:
❤️ Just a few days ago I got into friendly conversation with a member in the Anxiety room( for more then an hour there were only 2 of us in the room). They shared their experience which was so inspirational for me, gave me hope. I know I would never encounter it in one 1-1 chat. 🦋
❤️ Even I am a listener, the room is the place where I have an opportunity to be also a part of the community, part of the member's team. It creates a totally different bond than in 1-1 chat🐬
❤️ Brainstorming and flood of love and support! I just love to be a part of it, to see members receiving group validation and to observe how this change their mood, feeling 🦢
3 lows
💔 I have observed a member desperate for attention ignored, hopefully, overlooked by the group. It was so heartbreaking. I tried to validate their feelings but it was overlooked too.. I was not equipped to support, I had no choice to call for a mod or support but I was so upset that I was there and could not do anything, felt so powerless. That is why I am here, I honestly want to do better next time, to be able to provide support to everyone and create a safe and carrying about everyone environment.
💔 A member shared that they were struggling with addiction and the group supported unhealthy actions. It seemed accidental, they have missed that some activities are not available to the member for health reasons, while the group escalated that that limitation was not fair and jocked that the member needs to run away. I was honestly worried about the effects.
💔 I struggle with the rhythm of a busy room and sometimes even a vibe, I felt so uncomfortable in the Events room. It felt like I do not belong:( I left the room and each time I peak there now the 'feeling' is still there
@AriadneLove
Hi Aria 👋😍
I am so glad to hear that you are including your experience as room supporter for your subcommunity (Anxiety room) during GLDD course. We strongly encourage reflections that closely related to your chosen regular rooms.
It sounds wonderful that a member gave you hope, I also feel inspired just by reading your summary.
I am sorry that such tricky situation happened. It is hard for me to understand what happened exactly but it sounds like a whole group was enabling an unhealthy behavior from a member and you could not do much in such situations. Thank you for sharing, sometimes the host/ room supporter can definately meet with such difficulty to feel isolated (one against the world) to coordinate the rest of the room.
It was lovely to read your detailed share 💜✨📖
My 3 highs will always be easiest to describe, so let's start there.
- A huge high was my first time hosting a HH session that was amazingly positive compared to the usual SC venting, which tends to lean negative. I came away from that session with such a huge love for everyone!
- Being able to make a member feel heard during their share and have them give you that as feedback is always incredibly nice, especially if they express feeling unheard by others in the room. I have at several occasions suggested doing a 1-1 with a member after a share too, in those cases.
- A more general high is the kick I get from helping people in general, and I often host 2 hours back to back in SC because I just keep to want to stay involved with the community.
- Bonus positive: getting to know the regulars and being recognized! It's like its own form of recognition for the work you're doing.
My 3 lows are harder to think of, but here goes.
- One time I tried to start a HH session as scheduled in a room that was not ready for it, and it met a lot of resistance from the room. I have to be careful not to misread in other times.
- Another low is when I was in LSR the other day and we were chatting, but someone came in yelling about how we weren't keeping to the rules and antagonising in general. It made me realise that bad vibes don't only come from members, but also listeners at times.
- My lowest point in a group support room was as a member in SR, where I felt very unheard and unremembered by the already existing cliques of members even after returning for several days in a row. However, it made me gravitate towards the structure of SC more, which has been a good choice for me.
@Noah88
Hi Noah! It was so good to read about your highs. (: However, I'm so sorry about the experience you had as a member! Alhamdulillah, we're now moving with #byebyecliques 😀
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: Share 3 highs and 3 lows you experienced in the group support chatroom!
1. Supportive environment- Everyone's input of compassion, encouragement, views and respect truly made it a supportive session and time during my troublesome times
2. Great insights- coming across different people from different backgrounds makes the expeirence so lively and enriching whether that is coming from a person of a different country, culture or perspective.
3. Learning experience- Through the groups, I have gained motivation, inspiration and a newfound perspective on life. I learn a lot from these groups.
1. Not being ackowledged can be disappointing as my views may be ignored and even though it isnt about being validated but simply too many messages flowing at once, it can be hard to hear everyone out.
2. Triggers- when suddenly a member or listener brings about a tirggering topic, it can upset me.
3. Coming across members or listeners that are making life a little too difficult for others- this interrupts the flow of things
@Dazzle28purvi
Hello 👋🙋♀️
I love how you pointed out that chatrooms can give us amazing experiences to learn and grow because there are many people coming from all walks of life gathering there.
Also due to people can come/ leave anytime they want, this also creates interruption like you mentioned.
I hope that you have enjoyed your time in GLDD program. Thank you for alll your constant contribution to keep our chatrooms safe and encouraging.
@ASilentObserver
When I was new on cups , I didn't know much besides the 1-1 chats with members , with time I got to explore more places around 7 cups , it was very overwhelming at first to be in a chatroom where you're new and don't know how to initiate conversations , but today I feeel glad I stepped in there and over time became more comfortable with chatrooms .
3 HIGHS -:
● I absolutely love being a part of listener rooms, theres so much support, cheer and we get to learn alot from each other , also helps unwind after 1-1 chats .
● Another high is when I am able to answer queries in the listener support room and make new listeners feel welcomed and comfortable to participate in the chat , and assure them they are a great addition to 7 cups .
● it is always so fun to host and participate sessions , or simply support members in the rooms , engage in a little fun chatter and ease new members in , a specific high, I find it really heart warming when after my sessions members reach out to me in PMs to tell me how they enjoyed it alot and how I helped made them feel better ❤
3 LOWS -:
● My first experience in the Support Room 247 was not so good, the chat was triggering and very uncomfortable , so I had to step away immediately , plus it does get really chaotic in seconds , so am always a little on edge with the room .
● It's unfortunate but Mods do get hate for their mod badge and for ensuring that rules are being followed , and often when I see this happening and members specially being disrespectful to Mods , it's very sad and makes the room environment unsupportive.
● sometimes the fast paced chats and multiple conversations make it difficult for me to participate, and often when some people seem to be in a clique or talking to only certain people , it makes you feel left out and un acknowledged , which is discouraging to participate further !
Thankyou for this discussion ❤
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou
Thank your for sharing your 3 Highs and 3 Lows with clear examples and in such details 
I love listener rooms too and that's why I love hosting discussions and fun sessions for listeners 😍✨.
I understand that sometimes rooms like Support 24/7 or MCR can be quite challenging due to its all-in-one function, everyone with any issues will go there to seek supports, hence the fast pace messages, the conflicts that arise from triggers....
Overall, your share is definately relatable!
Aw thankyou for the wonderful reply @kindLemonade ❤ you do fab job with hosting sessions , and I am always happy to participate in them! Yay !
The all in one feature sure is quite a contributing factor in the chaos , I agree lol .
It is comforting to hear I am not the only one feeling such , and glad you could relate! Hugs !
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou
Hiii sun! Ahah, I too only knew 1-1 chats as a newbie.
And hi5! I love too listener chatrooms and sessions where we can learn new fun things. So glad to read about your highs.😀
I can understand that the rooms get really overwhelming sometimes and also too fast paced (or cliquey) so one may get left unheard. 😦 We can all try together to make the chatrooms more supportive and inclusive in shaa Allah. 💜
@ASilentObserver
Share 3 highs and 3 lows you experienced in the group support chatroom
Highs:
1. The best thing I have experienced was during a listener discussion. Everyone was so supportive and gave great insights. Hosting a session when you feel everyone is engaged is really awesome.
2. I remember a LCS once where it was such an open atmosphere. Everyone respected each other and supported each other and the host of the sharing circle was just amazing leading the group. Everyone shared things that very both hard but at the same time had a beautiful ending.
3. First time I entered a discussion I was very hesitant. I had no idea what it was and what it would be like. I felt so welcomed by both hosts and members in the room.
Lows:
1. Recently I entered a discussion half way. It was a triggering topic for me. I had no idea and found myself having Flashbacks after that chat. It was a learning experience to be more mindful when entering a room.
2. Once during a discussion members started arguing with another mod. It got to the point where we had to ask for a community mod to come help out. It was a challenge to continue the discussion after that as it was pretty upsetting.
3. Sometimes when I'm in the member rooms I see people who are not very supportive of each other and not respectful to mods when they enter the room. That keeps me out of those rooms.
@musicalHarmony
Am sorry to hear that a discussion did not have a trigger warning at all. It's great to hear that you enjoyed the LSC discussion that was going on.
Asher, Community Ambassador
@Asher
I'm sure there was trigger warnings in the chat flow for sure. It was just when I entered I didn't see them. It's alright, I just need to be more careful in the future ⚘
Listener Discussions are the best! Glad to hear that you've had such positive experiences despite some frustrating incidents.
@musicalHarmony the last low that you mentioned really hit home , its sad to see when certain people refuse to be cooperative and respectful of the rules
also really happy to see that you feel welcomed in the listener rooms <3
@ASilentObserver hi everyone ! <3
three highs -
1. hosting sharing circles as well as special event room discussions are usually so lively and i have so much fun with them ! the first time i ever hosted a sharing circle or special event room discussion, there were so many people and i had so much fun talking to everyone <3
2. joining the support rooms for the first time made me feel so welcome and people were so happy to meet me and talk to me <3 i got to know and get familiar with so many people
3. people are always so empathetic and supportive <3 they will ask you how you're day is going, listen to people that need support, etc. they are, for the most part, so sweet c:
three lows -
1. hosting can, at times, be a bit dull. somedays nobody will join the sessions unfortunately :0 but i try not to pressure people to join <3 (but this is usually with pop-ups sessions)
2. a lot of people, unfortunately, do not take the time to read guidelines or follow them. this will happen a lot in the support rooms, especially in sharing circles, and i have to remind people to follow them but they get mad at me for that sadly haha c':
3. i tend to notice that when people join the support rooms, their presence is dismissed. this will happen to me occasionally, but i will still try to join in sometimes. when i see a member (especially when they're new) i'll try my best to welcome them and ask them how they're doing. when nobody welcomes them, i do my best to make them feel wanted in the support rooms and cared for
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: Share 3 highs and 3 lows you experienced in the group support chatroom!
3 HIGHS :
Since I mostly spend time hosting sharing circles, I would mainly give examples from my experience in sharing circles.
1) There is a variety of stories from member. I love hearing the authentic , sincere shares from people and SC is a perfect place for it.
2) The format for SC is great. SC is modelled after AA meetings - the guidelines, rules and script help create a warm and supportive environment. I love the encouraging and kind words from users in SC.
3) Everyone can be a host for SC which creates opportunities for members to take on the role of a leader to support other members. I find it inspiring and empowering to see members taking charge of the room sometimes.
3 LOWS:
1) Since SC are opened 24/7, there have not been enough hosts for it. Also it's very easy to go over time even when a MOD is hosting a circle. Therefore sometimes a sharing circlr might have to start at odd time, making it hard for a new host to start a session.
2) I was offered the role to host support check-in discussion in support rooms a while ago. I found it difficult to start a discussion when the members are having urgent matters to discuss. It felt forced to stir a discussion when they were already chatting enthusiastically about something else.
3) Sometimes, members would come to SC to seek urgent support because they might be in a crisis. It can be difficult to request them stick to the 5 minute share rule orremind them not to interrupt other shares.