• Is there an existing support group that addresses your concerns?
• Do you have the time and energy to start a support group?
• Do you have the support of family members and friends?
• Can you handle the extra demands of organizing a support group?
• Are there other organizations that the new support group can align with?
• Are there other caregivers willing to share responsibilities?
• Are there professionals you can call on to help with start-up?
• Are there professionals you can call on to provide topical advice and information?
• How will you publicize the formation of the group?
• What community resources are available?
• What are possible sources of financial support?
• Where will the group meet? When? How often?
• How will the group be led — by peer leadership, professional facilitation, shared leadership?
• How will group responsibilities be shared?
• How will the group be structured — as a stand-alone group or as part of a larger organization?
• Will it be an informal group or legally registered?

Steps to take

• Visit support groups with similar concerns
• Talk with experienced group leaders
• Find out what they have found to be most effective
• Obtain how-to packages from established groups
• Contact a self-help clearinghouse for information on how to start a support group
• Find out about available community resources
• Seek out opportunities to create strategic partnerships
• Find out about potential funding sources
  • service clubs
  • community and social service agencies
  • businesses
  • grant-awarding agencies and foundations
  • professional associations
  • gifts in kind
  • donations from individuals, families, bequests
• Form an organizing committee
• Arrange a planning meeting
• Establish the group's focus
• Define the aims and objectives of the group
• Decide who can join the group
• Define the group's relationship with professionals
• Establish the purpose of the first meeting
• Arrange a meeting to launch the group
• Publicize the launch meeting. Target potential members
• Collect resource information and materials to display or exchange at the launch