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  GROUP GUIDELINES    

 

Be open-minded and respect the diversity of this group in relation to all things including age, culture, diagnosis, experience, choices made and opinions held.  This allows us to speak freely without fear of prejudice or discrimination.

 

Ask questions with respectful curiosity – not questioning a person’s choices, beliefs, etc.

 

Use “I” statements not “should” statements in sharing your thoughts and experiences.

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The only experience and feelings we know to be true are our own.  No one should be “should” upon.

 

Be mindful of our time and do your best to stay on topic and make sure everyone has a chance to share.

 

Please do not hold side conversations* while someone is speaking.  Holding side conversations diverts attention away from the main speaker and can make it difficult to hear what is being said.  Share your thoughts, feelings and opinions with the group, not just the individual next to you. * This includes cell phone use.

 

Please do not offer medical* advice, rather focus on sharing how you coped.  What worked for one,  may work differently for another.  Rather focus on sharing how you coped.  If you are looking for medical information, please contact your health care professionals.  * Medical advice also includes pharmaceutical, psychological or any other professional advice.

 

Please do not name doctors.  We do not all have the same experience with the same health care professional and you may be taking away someone’s hope or confidence.  If you wish to discuss a situation with a health care professional further, please speak with the group facilitator.

 

Share your humor with us.  We all need a good laugh!

 

Respect the confidential nature of our meetings.  Do not share the names and stories you hear at meetings, outside of meetings.  A breach of confidentiality can result in hurtful or harmful consequences for everyone involved.

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Appreciate that this is OUR group.  When others in the group are not abiding by these Group Guidelines, it would be helpful if you would gently remind them of these.