Starting a Support Group
How Support Groups Operate
Support group meetings are operated and led by dedicated volunteers and facilitators who are independent from ZERO. This includes both in-person and virtual support groups.
ZERO provides resources, materials, and training to support these groups in advancing our shared mission to end prostate cancer. Select support groups have permission to use ZERO owned trademarks (such as ZERO Prostate Cancer and Us TOO). However, ZERO does not direct or control the specific content, discussions, or guidance shared during support group meetings and assumes no responsibility for such content. Each group operates independently while serving the prostate cancer community.
Do I need a co-leader?
Having co-leaders for a peer to peer support group is important for the following reasons:
• Shared Responsibility: Co-leaders can share the workload and responsibilities, preventing burnout and ensuring the group's sustainability.
• Diverse Perspectives: With two or more leaders, the group benefits from diverse viewpoints, experiences, and leadership styles, enriching discussions and decision-making processes.
• Continuity: If one leader is unavailable or needs to step down, the other co-leader can provide continuity, ensuring the group's smooth functioning.
Shared Responsibility
Diverse Perspectives
Continuity
Rotating the responsibility of facilitating the meetings on a monthly basis, where a different member takes the lead in running the meeting each month, can help distribute the workload, encourage shared ownership, and provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership development within the group. While not required, having a co-leader is strongly recommended. Co-leaders share responsibilities, prevent burnout, provide continuity when one leader is unavailable, and bring diverse perspectives to the group. Having 2 - 3 others to help to build a stronger, more resilient group at the beginning stages.
8 | ZERO Prostate Cancer
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