Starting a Prostate Cancer Support Group – Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer

groups of people sitting in a meeting

The following are suggestions for starting a Prostate Cancer Support Group or reinvigorating one.

The Logistics:

The location should be handicapped accessible
There should be male and female bathrooms nearby
Have refreshments available at the start of the meeting – people tend to gather around the food this serves to break the ice
Each person should wear a name tag
A sign-in sheet with name, address, phone number, and e-mail address should be circulated
Each individual should receive a personal greeting (smile, wave, hug, handshake) from the group facilitator
Newcomers should receive a special welcome and introduction to the group
Seating should be in a circle, U shape, square, or rectangular – members of the group must be able to make eye contact with one another
Remind all attendees that what is said in meeting is confidential

Begin with any special announcements such as the speaker for the next meeting, information from groups such as Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer, US TOO, newspaper or TV reports concerning prostate cancer or individuals in the group
Each individual should be invited to share their story – never start with the new person(s)
Spend time brainstorming program themes such as “The Blessings of Prostate Cancer”
Conduct a “Brag Time” – let members of the group brag about an event that has nothing to do with prostate cancer. Examples would be “my grandchild lost her first tooth” or “look, my cast came off.”