Establishing a community support group

[Everlasting]

My partner and I are launching a support group for persons interested in awareness issues of organ donation, dialysis and kidney transplants.  Any suggestions towards the completion of a mission statement would be very much appreciated
Thank you
Everlasting


Edited: Topic moved to proper section - okarol/admin

[peleroja]

Mission statement?  Are you planning to become nonprofit?  When  AAKP dissolved all its "chapters" last year, my friend and I were determined to keep our group going.  We paid to have a formal partnership drawn up so we could open a checking account.  We published the name (Kidney Beings Renal Support Group), and continued having our regular meetings.  When we meet folks talk about problems, goals, ask questions, etc.  Sometimes we have speakers (nephrologist, renal dietician, social worker, etc.).  We serve renal friendly snacks.  I'm not sure how formal you're intending your group to be.

[Everlasting]

Hi, Peleroja:  Thank you eversomuch for responding to my post.  It would seem that you participate in a group that is of the design we have in mind.  It will be a not-for-profit eventually however in the early stages we will keep in very informal however will put a mission statement in place.
     As far as finances go - the idea of having a joint account sounds secure.  We would never have thought of that.  We will be asking for volunteers to be in the roles of facilitator and a note-taker.  A monthly letter will be sent out as a reminder of the next meeting and a summary of the previous meeting.
     One issue that did come up and is thought provoking is that individuals dealing with dialysis are spending a lot of time in a center and would likely not want to leave their at-home hours of leisure and comforts surrounded by others trying to adjust to their lifestyles.
     We have no idea of how many persons will show up for the first meeting and somehow I suspect the majority will be individuals who are in the pre-dialysis stage, supporters of loved ones in dialysis or persons without dialysis and waiting a transplant.
     We have established a bank of resource persons who are most willing to present topics on a large variety of issues common to the interest of kidney disease individuals.
   I'll keep you posted and once again thank you for your note -- it is most encouraging.
Everlasting