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
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
Diversity among members is truly beneficial as we get to know a lot of things about each other’s culture. Members take away helpful information from each other which is really amazing.
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
My biggest takeaway on diversity is that diversity is good. It's a good thing and should be embraced, not pushed away. As a Chinese on this platform, I have to say there are often racial discriminations which I face and would love more than anything to see gone. As a potential group leader, I would encourage diversity, acceptance, and lead the members in the group to see diversity the same way that I do.
@xinyii11 i agree that diversity can bring so many good things to a group and its unfortunate that you had to experience discrimination , <3 nothing can justify that , and i am sorry that it happened , i love that you are optimistic and hope to change this one day <3
@ASilentObserver What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
Diversity among group members is great if there is an expression of compassion for everyone’s experience and if nobody invalidates anyone’s experience. With one person opening up, others can be encouraged to do the same. Also, it’s important for each person to get the opportunity to talk. How pro-social, active, supportive each group member is builds solidarity and more acceptance. Heterogeneity and Homogeneity in groups is not of concern as we do not need to be similar or different in our outlooks to be compassionate or be interested in people’s experiences.
@GoldenRuleJG
I agree, we do not need to be similar to be compassionate.
We are all human but all of us are different, we all look different, sound different and act different. That shouldn't exclude any members or listeners from the group setting. That's what diversity is.
I find that, overall people on group chats are very diverse and are happy to share their experiences, backgrounds and ideals with each other, and it facilitates a positive environment where people can learn new things as well as share parts important to them, and engage with others in meaningful conversations and it's definitely a favourite aspect of mine on 7 Cups.
@MxSkeleton i agree , that diversity on this platform is one of the most fascinating things here <3
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
I don't feel apprehensive or worry about conflict when it comes to diversity among members in a group, as a group leader. I think the more diverse the group the better. More often than not, by the time people are finally reaching out and wanting support, it's because they feel isolated and alone and like they are different or something is wrong with them because nobody understands their struggles. A support group based on one common issue can be so valuable and encouraging when the one thing this diverse group has in common is the same struggle that used to make each of them feel completely alone. I think sharing stories and comparing perspectives and experiences helps people recognize their identity is not defined by the issues they battle.
At the same time, it's understandable that some people's experiences with an issue can influence defensiveness or antagonism. As a group leader, this can be used as an opportunity to respond with support and connection. Sharing circles are a perfect example of how quickly that can work on a large number of people.
My opinion is the more diverse the group is, the more impactful the support will feel.
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
diversity is inevitable even in groups that are focused on one topic , it may arise either from one problem appearing in different ways or members having different backgrounds . what matters is that we don't forget the purpose of the group which is being accepting of others and providing support. and leaders in particular should be working on ensuring that everyone feels understood and acknowledged
let our common problems bind us and the diverse perspective broaden and strengthen our understanding of the topic (:
@BeTheLight111
"What matters is that we don't forget the purpose of the group which is being accepting of others and providing support." 🥺 This is beautifully stated, the purpose of groups is indeed to provide support and to do that, we will need to accept different points of view and not judge. "let our common problems bind us and the diverse perspective broaden and strengthen our understanding of the topic" 😄 You are full of wise words, diversity should be taken as a learning opportunity!
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
I think it's ignorant of a leader to see a group as a one having homogeneous members because there are differences among us despite the similarity in the problems we face be it age, gender or even cultural ethnicity and values. This alone can form a division and grouping within the discussion group and miscommunication owing to such differences
Nevertheless it is important to realise all of these and do our best to easily mitigate comunication for all members.
As a leader , I think we should focus on embracing the heterogeneousness in the group , so that we can get a bit closer to a better group support chat for all the participants in the group chats
@ASilentObserver
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
I believe that regardless of the type of group, it is important for everyone participating to keep and open mind and be non-judgmental. Something to remember is everyone is going through their own situations so it's important to be supportive and caring, doesn't matter who is involved.
@MoonChild1206 you are spot on !! being non judgmental is so important as we can never entirely know what the other person is going through , its so important to keep providing support and make it a priority to help others feel better <3 <3 thank you for sharing your valuable input
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
Thinking about it, not only that this applies to group chats here in 7 Cups, in the world outside of 7 Cups, we will encounter all sorts of people ranging from different age group, ethnicity, gender, etc. But regardless of the differences of the outer appearance, everyone should be treated equally and should be heard. Everyone can have a different thought on the same subject, that is okay and should be honoured! Because we have different opinions on multiple things, there is no wrong to express our thoughts, with the precondition of accepting other perspectives. This does not only apply to group leaders but also participants, and it is up to the group leaders to incorporate or guide that. As a group leader, it is crucial to observe circumstances and assess the atmosphere of the room consistently to ensure that the chatroom is driving in the correct direction.
@29amy i agree with all that you said <3 for sure having different opinions does not have to mean that we become disrespectful or disregard perspectives that differs from ours , i like the point that you mentioned about leaders being more observant and actively trying to make the group more positive and inclusive
@29amy
I agree with this completely <3 I agree having different opinions does not mean we should disrespect one another, instead we should take other's opinions of board and learn from them
A great answer
@29amy 100% agreed <3 everyone should definitely be treated the same no matter what their background, culture, sexuality, etc. is. it's extremely important to show the same support for everyone because in the end, we are all human !
I agree with what you said. Everyone should have equal opportunities to be heard and supported no matter what their background is. Everyone is also a unique individual and we should respect everyone's opinion.
@29amy
You raise some excellent points that I will take on board and apply moving forward. I appreciate your perspective.
