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 As a group leader, I feel like I will need to acknowledge that diversity exists, and that's something that wouldn't change. However, I feel that it is my role to draw the similarities that each member has so that we could create a shared identity and culture. Instead of having diversity divide us, we could possibly use it as a way to consider new perspectives and problems and this is an advantage that we can all make use of in a group chat setting :)
@RandomAravyre
Aravyre, definitely agree, underlining our similarities will bring us closer to each other. Relating to someone helps us totake it easier differences and be kinder. Keeping in mind that another person has some bad and good days same as we do, has dreams and fears like we do, and wants to be happy just like we want helps us to be more compassionate, forgiving and kind. 💜 Very well noted
GLDD mentors: Richuyulin, blissfulForest7074 , 29Amy , HealingFox210 , AriadneLove, CaringHeart123
Diversity is good! It can bring in things that unity cannot and that's cool!
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
@kindFish9215
Oops, my bad. I accidentally forgot to include one more thing (the most important thing about my post): despite all these differences among the individuals within a group chat, it does not matter at all. Because regardless of the differences, they are all human beings worthy of love, care, and support.
@kindFish9215
Thanks for adding on to your comment. I resonate so much with what you said.
@kindFish9215
I agreee, everyone deserves love care support and someone to nurture them!
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
@FrenchToastClub
Diversity and curiosity can really bring us all closer together 😊
@FrenchToastClub That is a nice perspective you have. curiosity would definitely bring us close as we all want to know how each other's cultures and traditions are
@FrenchToastClub Yes!
@FrenchToastClub
Sometimes it is our differences that can unite us!
@ASilentObserver
I think that diversity helps give new perspectives on situations, allows us to appreciate different cultures and viewpoints and is an enriching experience. It can be difficult for some people to see things from other people's points of view, especially when they have mental health issues but giving a safe space to share facilities the process of overcoming that mental barrier.
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
My takeaway is that no matter heterogeneity or homogeneity, a group and leader should be accepting and kind. As long as the group members can sympathize with each other and show actual, genuine concern, it's a group.
It really matters that they be empathetic, show actual concern, and be genuinely kind.
@Kpopcat2020
Agreed
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
My takeaway on diversity among members as a group leader is that everyone is going through things in their own life. No matter what state, country, they live in, or the background they have. I have grown to realize that some countries don't have the mental health support as other countries do. I have come to realize from members that some cultures don't do things the way other cultures do, and that is perfectly okay. Because at 7 cups no matter what we are a community full of diverse people full of knowledge, issues, love, and kindness. At the end of the day, we all have our individual problems but come here to share the same goal… seeking and receiving help<3
@magicalOcean594
Well said, Ocean. At the end of the day we all seek the same goal here and I have seen how people support each other in their journey.
@ASilentObserver Diversity among members is prevalent. It is something that exists in almost all groups. I think homogeneity in a group may not always be the requirement in order to have a healthy discussion. When there is a little bit of diversity in the group, members get to hear each other talk about experiences and voice their own ideas, opinions, support etc.
However, any extremities would again cause the discussion to spiral out of control,. As long as there is some common ground for the members for eg: Anxiety in Anxiety support room, as the original post mentions, there is always an opportunity for "food for thought" and to learn from each other's challenges and experiences. While diversity may bring up challenges, there is always scope for Unity in Diversity as a theme, to exist in any given group or discussion.
As leaders and members too, it is our responsibility to create the perfect balanced environment by our individual efforts and to have stimulating and enriching experiences here.
I think that diversity is something that makes cups so special. It's what makes our projects so incredible. At cups, we strive to acknowledge and respect all of our differences and our strengths and weaknesses and backgrounds and culture, it brings us closer together. I've learned we must be considerate of all different viewpoints and openly accept feedback from everyone within our community as we do not have the same experiences as everyone else. We could benefit from hearing these different viewpoints as it will help us understand our community better. It is all about respect. We might not always have the same views, beliefs, or opinions but we can show respect and kindness to each other. The main important thing is that people are empathic and caring to fellow members regardless. 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 in insuring all feel equal and validated.
@Estrellitaa I totally agree with you stars. Cups is indeed special
@ASilentObserver What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
People here belong to different countries, different cultures and have different mindsets and opinions on various things. Each person could suffer in different ways we have no idea about. It is important to have empathy towards our fellow members. A problem might seem really small one for us but a very big one for the person facing it. We shouldnt judge them and be empathetic towards them. Having empathy could help us win over the world and the world would be a better place to live.
@yourbuddy30
I really like how you mentioned that problems can feel bigger or smaller. I think 'ranking' problems, talking about worse or better is dangerous and not helpful. Recognising the impact of these problems is what counts. Hurt is hurt, whether is comes from something seemingly small or a huge life event.
@yourbuddy30
Agrees buddy, empathy is definitely the key for us to understand what others are going through.
@yourbuddy30
I totally agree. -people may have different views on what they believe is "small" or "big" and we must respect this, and take into consideration everyone in an empathetic way <3
Tabby
@ASilentObserver
What is your takeaway on diversity among members as the group leader?
First of all we are all human beings, no matter the race, religion or anything related.
We are all unique and beautiful in our own way, no matter the flaws we all have.
We need to respect eachother, show empathy, and hey learning something in another language or learning something about their culture is so exciting for me.
We are here to share our stories, so many people around the world connected through 7cups, isnt that beyond amazing? Isnt that what 7cups is for? 💕
@jasmineishereforu
I love your passion for celebrating diversity. You're absolutely right we are all flawed humans here and deserve to be treated with respect. I think it's part of a group leaders job to promote that ethos and deal promptly and kindly with any issues that arise.
@jasmineishereforu I really liked what you said about "We are all unique and beautiful in our own way, " it is true..I agree no one is perfect and thaat's what makes us beautiful and unique :).