Handling support groups is proving to be a great challenge to the managers. Managing groups requires one to have high skills and education qualification. Experiences and training can also help in the successful management of support groups. Managing these groups would be a good way to address the issues that affect humanity. This reflective essay will highlight the best ways to intervene in support groups.
Personally, I have extended experience in social work that is useful in intervening for support groups. I have participated in support involving attending to people living with HIV and aids, doing voluntary hospice worn and assisting people with cancer. Its roles and tasks have nurtured my capabilities of intervening in groups. I am of the opinion support groups should be in the forefront of addressing issues of human diversity such as race, ethnicity, culture class gender, sexual orientation, religion physical and mental abilities and age. When these issues are not handled properly there are chances of having conflicts and the support group might lose its influence and effectiveness.
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Dealing With Human Issues in Groups
According to Toseland and Rivas (2017) group dynamics are the forces that determine the performance and outcome come of group’s activities. Being in these groups should be an opportunity for people to appreciate diversity. It is good to recognize and appreciate people cannot be equal- they have differences. These differences might occur as physical differences, generation or cultural differences. I have worked in social settings and have discovered that these differences cannot be ignored. Ignoring or pretending these differences do not affect group would be detrimental and can affect the outcome of groups (Toseland, & Rivas, 2017).
Support groups are essential in the community to handle the issues that affect the community. If there were no support groups, it would be almost impossible to help people in the community who need care. The best example of well-established support groups is the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the Mothers against Drunk Drivers (MADD). These are groups that provide help and companionship to its Members. They interact within some given schedules to help address and solve issues affecting them (Fujishin, 2007).
The Alcoholics anonymous is a group for people who to quit alcoholism, those who are recovering and those who have already recovered. The people who have recovered are significant the others who are in the process of quitting alcohol or are recovering from its addiction. They will motivate them to do it and even guide them on the best way to help them be free of alcohol addiction.
The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is a support group that was founded by a mother whose daughter was killed in drunk driving in 1980. It is described as the largest nonprofit working to protect American families from drunk driving. It is also an important group in solving the issue of drugged driving and underage drinking in America. Besides conducting campaigns to raise awareness for drunk and drugged driving, MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge. MADD has progressed to become one of the most influential support groups in America and has been receiving recognition and support from different sectors. It has served to reduce drunken driving deaths by over 50 percent. Since its inception, MADD has served over 800,000 victims and saved thousands of lives.
How Support Groups Solve Human Issues
The support groups are either funded by people who have suffered from a particular conflict, crisis or a problem. For instance, MADD was founded by a mother who lost a daughter through drunk driving. The groups may also be formed by professionals who have identified a problem that is threatening the community, for instance, a doctor dealing with mental health might start a support group for people suffering from various mental illnesses (The role of support groups, 2007).
These groups are useful in addressing issues of human diversity because they are meant to solve the problems facing the community. For instance, MADD has thousands of members today. Having such a large membership is useful in solving issues such as ethnic issues, racism, cultural differences and physical capabilities. Any person who has been affected by drunk or drugged driving is free to join (Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 2012).
In intervening for the support groups, I would consider having subgroups to help in creating a better bond between members (How to Manage Group Conflict, n.d.). Considering MADD has thousands of followers both members and victims depending on it, it would be hard attending to each member or victim individually. Having subgroup would help my support groups to heave a personal relationship with the people who need care and support.
The other means that I would employ is providing hope and assistance. People who come to support groups are usually affected in a great way by the conflict or problem they are facing. Probably they are at the lowest of their life and esteem. If I am in the leadership of support groups for people who have suffered violence, I will look for professionals who can assist in overcoming the stress and fear that might have been caused by the violence. Violence, loss of family members and being addicted to alcohol might interfere with peoples mental or physical capabilities (The role of support groups, 2007). Such victims might suffer stress, depression, deteriorating health and other negative impacts, therefore, offering hope and support them should be a high priority. When they are offered hope and assistance, they will be comfortable to remain in the group. The group leaders should also be ready to analyze the issues or problems and provide reliable and lasting support.
References
Fujishin, R. (2007). Creating effective groups (2nd ed.). SanFrancisco, CA: Acadia Books.
How to Manage Group Conflict. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://managementhelp.org/groups/group-conflict.htm
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). (2012, February 21). Retrieved from https://www.charities.org/charities/mothers-against-drunk-driving-madd
The role of support groups. (2007, November 6). Retrieved from http://www.health24.com/Medical/Dementia/Support-groups/The-role-of-support- groups-20120721
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). An introduction to group workpractice (8th ed.). New York: Allyn & Bacon.
