Contact the ANA National office, they'll assist you in getting set up. I think each support group leader has there own way of doing things. We hold 3 to 4 meetings a year. I usually book a meeting room first allowing at least 4 weeks so notices can be sent out by the ANA National office. Local hospitals are very good about providing conference rooms at no cost.
Meeting time is usually between 3 to 4 hours. I think the hardest part is obtaining guest speakers,
We've had vestibular rehab specialists, 2 on BAHA, microsurgeon, radiation, Disability. insurance issues.
We also try to hold at least one meeting a year for Care and Share.
Call hospital for room availability. Set date.
Determine meeting topic. (At times I have booked a speaker and arrange meeting room around the speaker)
Send meeting notice to ANA, can be done by e-mail. Listing Date and time, meeting location, topic and driving directions.
Arrive at meeting place alittle early to set up the room and to be ready for any early comers. Set out
ink pens, sign in sheets, name tags. Greet people as they arrive., Intoductions, annoucements, speaker, break, regroup for a question/answer period, or a open talk time. Close the meeting. Fill out and send back in the sign in sheets and meeting form to ANA National
In between meetings you will be the contact person for new inquiries. It's very rewarding and a way to give back for the help that we received. I truly feel honored to be a part of it. The biggest thing thing is that ANA will assist you and they make it very easy to do.
Feel free to e-mail me off list for more info.
Best to you and Good Luck!!
Raydean
