[mommamarci]

I e-mailed my church about starting an adoption support group. They think it is a great idea! She said we need to come up with a few things before we approach the executive pastor. Here is what we need:
1. A purpose statement
2. How often we would meet
3. What would the meeting consist of. Such as prayer time, guest speakers, Bible Study, etc.

Any thoughts for me?

I was thinking a once a month meeting. The purpose statement would be something about offering support to all those touched by adoption. (Not sure how to say it.) But I am really drawing a blank as to what the meeting should consist of. I am thinking more of a prayer, socializing, speakers occasionally, etc. I would like it to be kid friendly so we could bring our children, so I don't know that a Bible Study would work well.

I would love any ideas any of you have to get this going!

[Yash]

Hey Marci,

My support group meets every third Saturday at 5:30. Babysitting is offered and we do a potluck. It's like a night out for some parents.

Each month the meeting varies. Sometimes we have guest speakers, sometimes we just have an open forum to talk about whatever subject is on someone's mind, sometimes it just go around the room to talk about where each person is at.

Our group is more of a socializing one.

I think your purpose statement sounds good as it is.

My favorite part is the socializing, probably. I don't really have a chance to talk to other parents so this is my time. And what a bonus that they are also people who understand the craziness of adoption. I like that sometimes we don't talk about adoption at all, but just about raising kids.

I would love for my group to maybe read a parenting book or a book on adoption and discuss it, but haven't had much sucess in getting everyone to committ to actually reading the book.

If you're going to be the leader, you have to be ready to roll with the punches. The leader before me went crazy because members wouldn't do the simple courtsey of responding to a RSVP email. They don't do it for me either, but I just take in stride. Though they do respond to emails about our yearly pool party. The one time of year I get to see everyone.

Good luck!