Chapter 6 Planning the Group Slides developed by Ronald W. Toseland State University of New York at Albany

Planning Model Establishing the group’s purpose Assessing the potential sponsorship and membership Recruiting members Composing the group Orienting members to the group Contracting Preparing the group’s environment Securing financial arrangements Preparing a written group proposal

Establishing the Group’s Purpose Group worker generated Agency or staff generated Member generated Community generated

Assessing Potential Sponsorship The mission, goals, objectives and resources of the agency Fit between agency policies and goals of the proposed group Support within the agency Nature of unmet and ongoing needs Costs and benefits Level of community need, interest, and support

Gathering Support for a New Group Does it fit the mission and goals of the agency? Would resolution of problem facing the group be valued by the agency and the community? Does the administration of the agency support the proposed group? Is the need being met elsewhere?

Gathering Support for a New Group Would co-sponsorship with another agency be possible? Resolve differences in perspectives and identify hidden agendas Obtain consensus from staff about goals and methods to achieve them Assess the willingness of the agency to provide resources such as transportation, child care or needed supplies

Assessing the Potential Membership The nature of the problem or need facing the group Potential members’ recognition and shared perceptions about the purpose of the group Cultural and other differences that could influence perceptions of the group Perceptions of the sponsoring organization

Assessing the Potential Membership Effects of ambivalence, resistance, or involuntary nature of the group Specialized knowledge needed to work with members Demographic differences and commonalities of potential members

Assessing the Potential Membership Benefits to potential members participating Barriers, obstacles, and drawbacks to member participation Resources needed from the organization and community Ensure members’ interest and participation

Methods For Recruiting Members Directly through interviews and telephone contacts Contacting key people and community leaders in the network of potential members Announcements through the mail Posting announcements in community organizations and other sites

Methods For Recruiting Members Using websites to advertise the group Speaking at public meetings Appearing on radio and television shows Issuing press releases, publishing announcements in organizational newsletters Working with reporters to prepare feature newspaper stories

Composing the Group A homogeneity of members’ purpose and personality characteristics A heterogeneity of members coping skills, life experiences and expertise An overall structure that includes a range of the members’ qualities, skills and expertise

Other Composition Issues Group structure Diversity and demographic characteristics Size Open and closed membership Close ended and open ended

Orienting Members Explaining the purpose of the group Familiarizing members with group procedures Screening members for appropriateness Contracting for group procedures and member goals

Preparing the Environment Physical setting – room size, furnishings, technology, atmosphere (lighting, etc.) Making special arrangements Securing financial support

Preparing a Group Proposal Abstract Purpose Agency sponsorship Membership Recruitment Composition Orientation Setting and environment