PPSG Parkinson's Patients Support Groups, Inc.

How to run a support group meeting Support group meetings are much like any other organized meeting, with a few simple rules it runs a lot smother. Here are some hints that have helped me run meetings: Have the meeting on the same day of the week, for example every Monday or First Monday of each month. Hold the meeting at the same time of day. Have a written agenda, even if it is the same every time. Have a start of the meeting (even if late) Welcome everyone. Schedule time for socializing. Make a directed solalizing event. For example I start my meetings with "The Silly Question" and I make every one try to answer. It is always different and often fun. Here are some examples: Do you have a penny in your pocket? (show me). What kind of soap do you have in the bathroom (Ivory or Dove). What was your first pet? Take minutes and send them out. (even if nothing happend) That makes people feel part of the group. Add personal notes. (Alice had a new dress, Bob ate at McDonalds this week) Have an end of the meeting. Declare it over. Then allow for socializing after the meeting.