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
Hello Everyone!
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
As a leader, I feel that a group's diversity is vital, valuable, and useful. People from various origins and cultures have varied opinions on any given scenario, so having a variety of viewpoints to consider would be beneficial. It allows people to share information about themselves while also learning more about diverse cultures and backgrounds around the world. In a group or team, diversity enhances productivity and creativity, which leads to stronger support for one another. As a result, diversity in a group is extremely beneficial to the community.
Thank you 
Be the change that you wish to see in the world.
@SuryanshSingh
I agree! Diverse groups are beneficial for development of the given community as well as its success.
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
One thing really astonishing about 7 cups is that it is a global platform , open for all , I believe this is a great place to learn about different cultures, people , and be more open minded and welcoming to learning new things . However the diverse experiences and thoughts can sometimes cause conflicts , as a group leader it becomes all the more essential to be mindful of this factor , be respectful, approachable , fair and acknowledging of the diversity In the rooms and be open and inclusive towards everyone, encouraging a supportive and healthy environment for everyone.
As a leader, it is also important to lead by example , when leaders are open and mindful about diversity amongst room participants, others are inspired also , in making sure, all feel equal and validated .
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou
I agree that diverisity is wonderful but there might arise conflicts due to differences . Like you said, we can lead by example , this is not an easy task but very important and worthwhile 
So glad to have you here as a leader in 7cups.
Aww you're too kind, thankyou for agreeing with me , grateful to have you as a leader also @kindLemonade ❤
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
Differences need to be acknowledged and respected (and not ignored/unvalidated). The art is to have an eye for the common ground while respecting the differences. The common ground needs to be emphasized for the group members to feel a sense of connectedness and belongingness.
Here is a growth path to help you smile https://www.7cups.com/path/playlist/smile/
@Fristo
Yes, well said. Finding common ground while respecting differences. Perfect balance :)
Diversity allows more inclusiveness and better support for our members and listeners. It also allows more empathy and connection to be build up since we are all unique and have something special to contribute. The most important thing is that we all respect one another and embrace this diversity.
@ASilentObserver
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
that it doesn't matter where they're from, their religion, sexuality, gender, etc., and that they are all accepted in the group as human beings, and as long as they follow the rules, remain kind and welcoming, that's what matters!
For sure Kate! 99.9% of our DNA is alike, and that .1% results in diversity in human experience. Can we learn as a community to be more appreciative of differences?
@KateDoskocilova
That's very true, Kate! I would love to see it happening.
@ASilentObserver
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
My takeaway is that the diversity will remain, and it should after all as there are people here from all over the globe. The only thing that binds us is caring for each other, supporting them and empathizing with them, This is our true purpose. As a group leader, it is our task to keep reminding the members of this purpose, and hence binding them toghether with this.
@DigitalKnight
Totally agree on this Digital!
Diversity is always there and it's too idealistic or nearly impossible to be the same. Without diversity, you can't really tell who truly cares about you and accepts you for who you are and who doesn't.
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
My takeaway is:
Diversity is not about adapting, it's about just being.
As a leader, it is ones duty to not let the identity of members be erased, hence one should acknowledge the diverse attributes of members.
Homogeneity I guess is the age old question of can unity exist in diversity, well yes it can, we all experience it daily.
Diversity and unity are both a function of society, they operate at different levels. Unity consults motivations, goals, approach, outlook and harmony while diversity is about backgrounds, influences, manifestations of our experiences. Hence the difference between unity and diversity is very fundamental, it's about the basic meaning of the terms.
As such they are not opposing factors, can coexist together. As a leader we should acknowledge both factors, what are the unifying characters of the group? and what are the diversities available?
Furthermore we should make an effort to celebrate this diversity, curiosity is not possible if we do not have variable outcomes, in support, in conversations. Diversity is hence at the core of group building, it is the unifying force which holds the group together by engaging people with new sensations and enables on to look forward to variable experiences.
@ASilentObserver @Asher @KindLemonade
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
I believe we are all human and we all are on equal ground. In a group diversity is something that adds to the discussions or activities. It stimulates thoughts and creativity. We learn to see things from different perspectives and learn new things. I also believe diversity in a group can reduce fear of the differences we all have. For me as a group leader it is important to uphold inclusive values and maintain that throughout the community. I can practice being inclusive by self awareness, acknowledge diversity in the group, seek missing perspective on things, encourage people to share, and support all members in a group.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
@ASilentObserver
My takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader is that it's great. I think that more diversity from more people means that you can get all types of perspective on an issue, and that can only be a good thing. Also, I think that diversity benefits everyone, because we can learn more about different walks of life, thus expanding our personal knowledge.
@politeHoney5554
Great way to look at it, for expanding our personal knowledge of different cultures.
@politeHoney5554
I totally agree! I only look at it as a good thing too :)
We are all equal in the fact that we are all different, so of course our symptoms may be different for a same condition and we may have other factors that influence on it including culture, personality, our psychology. The important is to be supportive to one to other. being open to hear others, show empathy. its realize we all are on the same path, just different step.
popcorn is all from the same plant. even if you take exact the same corn for making them yourself, then some will pop different time, not all at the same exact second, and all will look a bit different. some will be more colored, some smaller or larger. etc, and its all from the same culture and age because its the same, so just think in a community like 7cups where we have the chance to have folks from all around the world, all ages and backgrounds ... !
Wowzers! The popcorn metaphor is awesome, the first time I heard anyone describe diversity in such a way, and truly love it!
"The important is to be supportive to one to other. being open to hear others, show empathy. its realize we all are on the same path, just different step. " I cannot agree with what you wrote here more. I agree that sometimes we have different approaches, belief,s and ways of doing things but at the end of the day, our humanity is commonly shared.
