SUPPORT GROUP LEADERS !!

Support Group Leaders !  Please let me know how many of you want to sign up for Merri Goldbergs training .  She and I are having lunch this week and I want to give her a head count and some idea as to how many are interested .  I am hoping we can set a date sometime in the next couple of months .  I am so pleased that she came to our Conference and spoke .  Also , I am planning a luncheon for all the VA Support Group leaders . I will be sending out invitations some time mid March . I think we need to all sit down and talk about how we can make Virginia the # 1 Place for support and Encouragment .  We can also colaborate on different ideas for support groups , training and fun .  I look forward to hearing from you .  Tink

Boy,..you're not fired up or anything.  Have you OD'ed on Profect and XS Energy drinks????

Natalie, Sounds interesting.  I'm sure that making the OH Support Groups the best they can be is an interest of every OH Support Group Leader.  I know it is for me.   I am a little confused by your post though.  Normally Cathy Wilson, the Program Manager for the OH Leaders Program posts notes to us regarding meetings on the Leader's Board?  

Cathy .     I ask that before you write these types of replies you do more investigation .  I removed myself from the OH Support Group Leader program many months ago . If you recall , Joe Green took over my support group when I left the area .  . I now provide start up sessions for New Support Groups , and offer my time and training to all of my new support groups .  Where is the conflct - where is the confusion ? I see no reason as to why there would be . OH promotes education , and knowledge .. why would anyone from OH mind where I train at ? Anyone can attend seminars, workshops and educational meetings and still belong to the OH SGL program . If OH puts that kind of restraint on you as a leader, then they are doing themselves an injustice . Many of the leaders from OH are very well educated , and have a lot to offer . OH would benefit from this .  Second , Merle Goldberg sits on the advisory board for OH . Merle also writes for the OH Magazine .  Again , where is the confusion ?  Perhaps Merri will be training OH with this session and you could get one of your SG Facilitators here on OH to share it with you . Otherwise , I will continue to post these announcements and look forward to a great turnout .  Have an awesome week ..  Natalie

Oh I think Nat is just going above and beyond if any one wants to join in on some extra, good training to add some to their efforts to be better suport group leaders.  I'm always interested in learning new stuff and this was a good presentation from a person that is now also an OH trainer in this very area and topic.  Nat may be getting us in on a headstart ot prototype program kinda thing.   

Joe .. thanks for that . As I explained at the conference this weekend , I am now the director of Blaum Consulting .  I am now working with Hospitals , Offices and Weight Programs on the initial set up of support groups .  There is a need for them here in our area . Not everyone wants to be in a SG ran by the doctors . Many of us are very capable of running our own groups . It is not about the leader , it is about the leader looking into their group and offering what THEY want .  I do not share everything about my life here on OH . For many reasons . And the post above from Cathy is why I have been removing myself from that very thing .  When you have time I would like to discuss the training .  Big hugs,  Nat

Natalie, Don't get your undies all in a bundle.   I simply asked you if the OH Leaders were being made aware of meetings on local boards now vice the Leaders Board.    Your post is addressed to Support Group Leaders.  From this, it is easy to think you are officially addressing OH Support Group Leaders rather than just trying to set up another personal event.   Lighten up. The only conflict here is one you seem to be trying to create.

You read it corretly .. I addressed it to Support Group Leaders .. and you assumed it was for OH leaders .. hence your post to me .  You really need not attack me here . This is a public forum . It clearly shows in your responce .." Undies in an a bundle"  ... your assumption of me is clearly not found . I was standing up for my rights to post my messages . I did not violate TOS .. nor did I step on anyone's toes . So your now a Moderator ?   As to the OH leaders needing to know what I do .. None of their business . I will say it again . If I had addressed this to OH leaders .. there may have been a problem .  If you have issues with me personally , you need to take them off this board and in private .  And it is awefully funny , you never post on this board, then all of  a sudden you become Post Police . Your energy could have been better spent supporting your fellow WLS friends , instead of post as these .  Have a great day..  OH and by the way.. I wear thongs !  Natalie

Natalie, I would love to atted Merle's training on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I spoke with her after her presentation on Sunday and she said that she frequently has a group of people attend the training and she breaks it down into several sessions to cover all of the material. I am not currently a Support Group Leader, but am interesting in becoming one. Merle's training is a perfect start. Thanks! Mary D.

I would be more than happy to get you started . The best way to get started is to visit as many support groups as possible . Find a model that fits for you .. formal , informal .. post op - pre-op.. and go for it .. Nothing like giving back  .  Thanks,  TInk