t r o p sup a v i

t r o p sup a v i D D A n a t r a t S ! a e r a r u o y n i p u o r g ort p p u s to s p e t s Seven s es c c u s group

What’s so special about seven? Seven Deadly Sins Seven Wonders of the World Seven Little Girls! Truth: seven is a number people remember (better than 8 or 6)

How I became an “overnight” sensation Desperately seeking support No Triangle support groups Found Meetup. com – 21 people, all meetings canceled Now largest in the world – 580 members (not all attend!) What did I do right? And wrong?

I made every mistake Missed a few meetings Used a rotating location (even I couldn’t find it) Had no agenda for the meeting Let people ramble and take over the meeting Ran ragged and got resentful Then things changed ….

Step 1 Use an established group CHADD Built-in audience Must be a CHADD member (one time fee) Rigid meeting rules Automatic reminders and announcements Meetup. com High search engine ranking Automatic reminders and membership management Costs $19 a month

2. Monthly meetings Keep them engaged ADDivas lose interest without the energy of regular meetings 60 -90 min. to start, then be guided by the mood of the group – and your time! Be consistent! Never miss a meeting Get some help so you NEVER miss a meeting!

3 Location, location It should work for YOU Where? Close to work or your home Restaurant It should be cheap or no cost, of course Church (yours? Others? ) Ignore the whiners; YOU are the spark behind the support. Community center Library Disability services center

Create topics for each meeting Boring to keep discussing meds, when diagnosed, who is a good doctor, etc. Make it interesting to you (you can give info or find a willing volunteer from community or group). Topics? Skim ADHD books like “Confessions of an ADDiva!”

Let people TALK! They are hungry to connect. Let them. But stay in control of the meeting or you will always run late (embarrassed grimace from me). Watch privacy issues. Make statement at each meeting. Protect your attendees!

6. Let people help Don’t be the Lone Ranger; you will soon be overwhelmed and resentful and the group will dissolve. Ask for HELP. People do want to help – Ellen and Ward, Mary, Jeannette and others! Book speakers 6 months in advance or more (argh – planning!)

Set the tone for your gatherings…will they have? Food? 7 Be the spark! Your energy guides the group Speaker? Readings? If you are dragging, the meeting will drag. Book club? People usually energize me even when I am tired. Discussion? Activities?

What to expect: Small meetings at first (take something to do) People will drop in and out – it’s not personal Usually people who show up first have a LOT of issues; multiple diagnosis, etc. The support group takes time, but it should NOT take over your life

New ADDiva Network LIVE In-person ADDiva Network support group in your area (ADDiva Network Houston; ADDiva Network Orlando) You get upport with your support network Meetup. com framework Once a month coaching gym, drop in, drop out Troubleshooting and encouragement Topic ideas – a zillion of ‘em How to find speakers

Yeah, but what does it cost? No secrets - $19 a month (for Meetup fees) and $100 for the start-up kit. Would love to give it to you but Meetup charges ME so I have to charge YOU. You get the first month of Meetup FREE (so initial investment is only $100) Ask for a small donation to cover the costs. Also ask for snacks and drinks! Get a customized plan for your first six months

d l r o w The u o y s need y! e r Suppo b n a c s t group as e d n a simple

Ad o w t e n a v i d t e n. e v i l k r 1 1 0 2 , r e mb e t p e S es h c n u a L