Discussion 06: Diversity Among Members in the Group
Please note: In order to successfully complete the program, you must respond to this post. Your comment/response should answer the questions/show that you completed the given activity (if any). Read the post carefully and implement the learning in the chat rooms. If you didn't participate in Discussion 05: Ethical, Cultural, and Group Management Issues, then check here!
This discussion will highlight how group leaders think about the identities of the group members and themselves and how we factor these thoughts into planning and leading the groups.
The myth about the homogenous group
When we talk about homogenous or heterogeneous groups, it is referred to as the problem presented in the group. A homogenous group is one in which members share similar kinds of problems to discuss and share. Anxiety Support Group, for example, focused on anxiety issues while Depression Support Group focused on depression, Trauma Support for trauma-related issues, Relationship Support for relationship support issues, and so on.
Although, variability still exists in these topic-specific groups as well even though it is assumed it is not highly relevant to the operation of the topic-specific groups. This perspective can have different roots. The first is the sublevels of the specific topic. Like in the anxiety support room, there could be some members experiencing social anxiety, some struggling with test anxiety, and some with health anxiety as well. Though they are broadly categorized as anxiety, they are different. The triggers for these subtopics could be different and so the coping mechanisms and intensity at which a member experiences them.
Another root is member’s thoughts about their own identity and the challenges they have. Due to differences in one’s perspective and how everyone perceives a piece of information could cause conflict too. Like thoughts on one’s mental health struggles with the factor of religion or cultural aspects to it. And, how others see it. Or, the group leader’s own thoughts on these points and the knowledge they have on it to address it.
All of these factors conspire to lead group leaders to limit permissible acknowledgment of the diversity of the group members even though they look like a homogeneous group.
To address this diversified group, a group leader needs to acknowledge. Individual differences like age, generational influence, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, socio-economic status, mental health issue, etc need to be considered and acknowledged while addressing and leading the group.
When a group leader acknowledges their situation with an empathetic view and helps them understand how others may have similar situations but just individual differences, then they are able to build a healthy connection and support in the group. It allows group leaders to structure the group effectively even though they are diversified.
7Cups Community Leader, for example, is the term we use for our leaders instead of stressing on who is from where, the age, education, etc. In the 7Cups ecosystem, they are known as community leaders of 7Cups who are performing different levels of activities to ensure better support and guidance for everyone.
As long as a group leader is able to identify and connect the common grounds, the group members would feel inclusive and unified and better supported and comfortable.
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
Activity: Respond to at least two of your fellow trainees' comments with thoughts on their share.
After fulfilling the requirements of this post. 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.
Edited by Asherwolfice, 4/19/21
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
Everyone is unique and different and should embrace it. What matters is that everyone is caring and empathetic when communicating in chatrooms. The leader must remember to treat everyone as unique individuals because no one is the same. Respect is the main thing to give when among a diverse group and in general. Everyone needs to acknowledge that no one in the room is exactly the same.
@HelpfulGem04
Hi Gem, your comment about how we need to be aware of how we are all not the same is really powerful. What do you see this fitting into your daily life when you're interacting with others?
@Asher
Hi Asher! Thank you.
For example, I'm a student. I go to an ethnically diverse school. It's important to understand that every student in the school is not the same. We come from different places, speak many languages, and had different experiences in our lives. So let's just say a teacher is speaking about American History, it's important to realize that the history isn't the same for everyone.
And another example, when teaching anyone, you need to realize that everyone's learning styles are different, so you may have to teach the same things multiple ways. Whether it's with visuals, audio, kinesthetic, etc.
So when leading, it's good to be aware and open minded about people's experiences. Treating them with respect, being patient, and positive is important. Whether it's real life or in the chatrooms.
@HelpfulGem04
Awesome!
@HelpfulGem04 Exactly! Everyone is unique in their own ways and shouldn't feel uncomfortable in their own skin! As members of the 7 Cups community, we should support them no matter who we are because we're all human and we're all here for one thing: to help or be helped. And ethnics or race or gender or skin color doesn't change that at all
My take away from this is that everyone is different and that is a good thing. To have variety is important to be able to learn new things from other people and look at issues from another person's perspective. That is what makes us better people! Having millions of the same people on here won't do anything useful.
As leaders it is important to learn about the people we interact with and how to adapt our style to suit everyone on 7cups. It may be a bit different to in real life because the geographical area is often not very diverse however on 7cups there is so much more diversity.
@considerateParadise6717
Having a cultural awareness is so important and especially on 7 cups as you can see so much diversity. Thank you for sharing that with us.
@considerateParadise6717
Excellent.
@ASilentObserver
Discussion:
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
As a group leader, in a way, everyone is interlinked in some way or form. The common goal/topic discussed unifies them in a unique manner. This can be seen in the member sharing circle, the need to be heard, validated, supported, acknowledged and recognised are met. The diversity of opinions, perspectives and gender/religion/sexuality/personality/cultural-based experiences can strengthen the bond formed in the versatile but inclusive group setting. It highlights the importance of adaption, various communication styles and coping mechanisms/techniques, especially the pros and cons in different environments.
@courageousheart96 It's true that we could unite everyone under the same goals, like member sharing circle and discussions. Your opinion is really great to read and to hear. Thanks for sharing!
Race, gender and religion does not matter. Neither does sexuality in terms of equality. Everyone is equal, and diverse in their own way.
@ASilentObserver
Diversity is a great thing. It leads to different perspectives and good conversation at a lot of times. It truly leads to better communication in my opinion.
@wonderfulRainbow817 True, different opinion could make communicate and being open minded and inclusive to everyone. Because of it, being respectful and kind to each other is a priority to make the rooms environments secure for everyone t join. Thanks for sharing! :)
@ASilentObserver
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
I think that diveristy has a major impact among members. We are constantly exposed to new and different ideas through our fellow members which gives us a chance to learn and better understand others who are different than us. As long as the group share the same common interest in supporting eachother and the wellbeing of the group then it really doesnt matter who is on the other side of the screen!
@olivia5611
"As long as the group share the same common interest in supporting each other and the wellbeing of the group then it really doesn't matter who is on the other side of the screen!" This is really well said, Olivia! I totally agree with you, although diversity can separate a group, as soon as a topic of common interest is shared, the group will become one!
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
7 Cups is home to a global community of listeners and members, from all kinds of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds; of various ages, gender identities, nationalities, SES, sexual orientations, etc. The list goes on. No matter what, we're all human beings at the end of the day, and it is important to respect our fellow members and listeners here keeping that in mind.
We might not understand someones' beliefs, but we can respect them nonetheless, and agree to disagree. Some things might not make sense to us owing to individual differences, but this just goes to show how varied peoples' experiences of day to day life and mental health issues can be.
I do my best to validate peoples' feelings and recognise that it is tough, even if I have no personal experience with what they're going through. Empathy is a universal language which transcends any differences between human beings. We can be empathetic even if we don't understand.
@jovialButterfly6752
Agree to disagree, that's it, that's the phrase!
@jovialButterfly6752 brilliant post , i love what you said , how being compassionate and respectful is more important than understanding completely or coming up with solutions
empathy is a choice that we all need to make
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
My takeaway as the group leader is everyone has their own personal beliefs that they hold whether it's religion, culture, or etc. Despite of it, everyone has a right in equality.
For me, if someone has come across the topic of their culture or something, I'll ask openly about it as if I want to know more rather than shutting them down or refer them to the guidelines. At this point, I could learn more about them and their culture. As long as I've been here, I've got no problems with diversity in here which is great!
Everyone has the right for it and we could support and celebrate with them along the way. And if there are someone who is not comfortable about discussing it, I'll direct the talk to another different topic and make them feel included and comfortable there.
@secrecykhasya That's an incredible way of saying it, Sya! I totally agree with the points you made, especially about how asking questions openly if you're genuinely curious. I feel like people can sometimes be afraid to ask questions for fear of offending someone but it really is just a matter of knowing people's boundaries and being vigilant about not pushing someone if they're not comfortable answering your questions.
@ASilentObserver
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
My take away from diversity among members is, it's important for development. Especially if you want to amplify a good composition.
We can take tree for example. The stems can be compared to the common goal or group cohesiveness. We can see the diversities as branches 😮 As the tree grows out branches, they are all shaped differently and going in different directions. What does does it say about the tree? That it's blooming!
To "deal with" the diversity, we should try to remember (as well as remind others) that we're not gonna agree on everything even with people who have similar values as backgrounds as us, and that's okay! It's natural. We may remain respectful and validating (you don't have to agree with their POVs for that 1!1!1!) And work towards the goal together embracing differences.
The key is, treat others how you'd like to be treated.
@cheerfulIceCream
This is really a lively and vivid image that you put out there! We are indeed blooming with diversity, yet at the roots, we are still the same in some way! I am in love with the blooming tree metaphor! 😆
@ASilentObserver
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
I believe, diversity is beautiful if you embrace it. Accepting people for who they are, what they do, how they do things, caring for them as they are, keeping an open mind regarding things no matter how much your mindset differs from someone else is something I would like to implement and see people doing. Our strength is our unity, our non-judgemental, caring attitude towards everyone.
