WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT A TYPICAL SECULAR SUPPORT GROUP MEETING
The purpose of the Secular Support Group is to provide a safe, secular space where people can connect authentically with others, share their experiences openly, give and receive support, and strengthen their sense of belonging while learning practical ways to care for their whole selves.
The group meets weekly, and the meeting format is lightly structured:
- Welcome - new participant introductions, group norms, check-ins
- Review Agenda - review and adjust the plan as needed based on check-ins
- Main - planned activity and/or supporting peer(s)
- Reflection - follow up check-ins
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Everyone 18+ is welcome, with specific meetings reserved for family members (including those under 18) to attend as well.
People may feel more comfortable sharing when they know that someone else in the group has been through a similar experience. The following describe some of the lived experiences of the facilitators, either personally or through a close family member:
- Abuse (Child, Domestic, Emotional, Physical, Sexual)
- Addiction
- Economic Challenges
- Grief/Loss
- Health/Physical Illness: ADHD/Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Health/Physical Illness: General (chronic pain)
- LGBTQ+
- Mental Health
- Parenting/Family
- Relationship Issues
- Religious Deconstruction and Trauma
Note: this group is not for crisis intervention.
The group will work together to build and maintain a list of local resources to share when people need additional and/or more focused support than what the group alone can provide.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Let us know you're interested and any questions that you may have.
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash
