How to Start a Disaster Intervention Energy Group
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Steps to starting include (1) identifying those who need to be invited, (2) tuning-in to those you will be asking to join, (3) designing a motivating Offer of Opportunity, and (4) meeting with people and establishing a set of agreements we call a "contract".
GENERAL
A Disaster Energy Group is a group of people who have some natural relationship with the victim(s). They agree to work as a team to help a disaster victim family or individual recover and re-establish a successful life. This group, when applicable, also helps the family or individual providing a home for the displaced family or individual.
TARGETING
You will want to identify those who are in the Inner Circle of the family or individual displaced and/or distressed by the emergency. Ask the family or individual in emergency who are friends and family close by.
It is hoped that the people identified, the target group you will offer the opportunity to serve on the Disaster Energy Group, will be those who have most at stake in seeing the family or person put back "on their feet". It is these who should be the ones most motivated to help over the long haul. To help them hang in for the many months that may be required, the Disaster Energy Group, of which they are a member, will tap other resources so that no one is drained of energy or resources.
If the family or individual has been displaced far from home, then identify if any family or friends are nearby. Of course, if they are living with a family or friend, this person needs to be both a member of the group and also helped by the group.
Try to build a list of 8 to 10 people. If there are not enough family and friends of the family in disaster, then add family and friends of the host. If there are still openings, target church members who can help.
Once this list is completed, it is time to "tune-in" to these people before you invite them to join this crucial team effort. You will be attempting to empathize and understand them in order to offer participation on the Disaster Energy Group in such a way that also takes into account their needs.
TUNING-IN (PRELIMINARY, ANTICIPATORY EMPATHY)
Note that you are not tuning-in to the distressed family or whoever is providing food and housing. You are tuning-in to those you will invite to be members of the Disaster Energy Group. Since the host is already giving relief, that person has already joined, so-to-speak. It is the Disaster Energy Group, not you, that will have to tune-in to both (a) the family or individual in crisis and (b) the host. It will be the group's job to help them.
Tuning-in is the process of understanding other people as much as possible by estimating their life circumstances and identifying the range of their thoughts and feelings about their own realities - as they might perceive them. When you invite them to join the Disaster Energy Group, keeping in mind their various situations will help you offer a group effort that is realistic for them to join. This will increase the chances that many of the target population will agree to be a part of the group.
The Steps to Good Tuning-In
Brainstorm, list and consider carefully:
1. the various realities faced by those who will be asked to become Disaster Energy Group members.
2. the range of thoughts that might be associated with the various realities of potential team members. 3. the range of feelings that might be associated with the various realities of potential team members. 4. the range of thoughts and feelings that might be associated with joining the group and your role as the group leader. |
Then, carefully consider your own thoughts and feelings about the potential team members and the team as a whole.
Tuning-In Worksheet for a Disaster Energy Group
an abbreviated sample
an abbreviated sample
TYPE OF Group: PEOPLE WHO WANT TO WORK TOGETHER TO HELP A DISASTER VICTIM FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL RECOVER AND BECOME RE-ESTABLISHED
Step 1: Understand the situations of potential group members. What are their lives like? What kinds of things do they face? What might be going on in their lives? What is normal behavior for them?
Step 1: Understand the situations of potential group members. What are their lives like? What kinds of things do they face? What might be going on in their lives? What is normal behavior for them?
If the person is a friend or relative of disaster victim, may be very concerned. If not overwhelmed with own life or if has a good relationship with the victim, will want to help. May not want to help because of poor relationship with victim, generally self-centered, or feels that his or her own resources are stretched too thin. May be afraid of a long-term commitment to help. Probably do not understand the breadth of help needed and that they most certainly have something to contribute. May be very busy. May be excited to have something meaningful to do.
If the person is a friend or relative of the host, may be very concerned for host's welfare. May realize that the quicker the disaster victim is helped by the multitude of resources available through group effort, the faster the host will return to normal routine. If the person is a church member recruited to help out, may cherish it as a way of serving Jesus. But may be concerned about the long-term commitment for someone he or she does not know and, as of yet, has no personal stake in the disaster victim. |
Step 2: What might potential group members be THINKING about their lives? About themselves? What do they want out of life? (Remember, this is a brainstorm about the range of thoughts that might exist inside of the different people who will be invited to join the Disaster Energy Group.)
Hopefully they consider that they are very lucky to not have been a victim of the disaster. They probably think they should help and would like to rise to the occasion. They might be thinking that the victim family or individual got themselves into this jam by not doing something they think should have been done or because the victim decided to live where they did. They might think this is a real opportunity to help the victim family or individual get a new and better start on life. They might think that this is the "beginning of the end" for the victim of the disaster. Etc. Etc.
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Step 3: What might potential group members be FEELING about their lives? About themselves? (Remember, this is a brainstorm about the range of feelings that might exist inside of the different people who will be invited to join the Disaster Energy Group.)
They may feel overwhelmed by the demands on their own life and that they do not have time to help. However, they probably feel that they really want to help. They may feel that they have nothing to offer the situation. They may be struggling with giving up some of their freedom to help or changing plans or deciding not to spend money on something because they want to be able to share money for the disaster victim. They, however, want to feel good about themselves and that probably means being helpful more than having things. Etc. Etc.
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Step 4: Regarding the group/team you will propose, what might potential team members think and feel about it? And what might they think and feel about you, the leader?
They may think it is a good idea. Or they might feel it is unnecessary and an over-reaction. They may be uncomfortable in a group, but still want to do it because of the urgency of the need. Some may not like some of the others. Some may look forward to getting to know better the other important people in the victim family or individual's lives. They may wonder why a church leader is leading the effort, if the victim family or individual does not go to the church. They may be leery of being pressured to take part in something religious. Etc. Etc.
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Step 5: What do YOU think and feel about the potential team members? About the team as a whole? About leading the team? About your skills, the facilities, etc.?
I feel a little anxious that something will come up or that the task is too big. I am excited about bringing together those people most motivated to help the victim family or individual. I need to know more about leading a group so that it does all of the work of helping the victim family or individual while I focus on helping the group be successful, avoid pitfalls, and overcome barriers. Etc. Etc.
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DEVELOPING THE "OFFER OF OPPORTUNITY"
The Offer of Opportunity is a very simple and sensitive statement of group purpose that draws people to seriously consider joining. It should be short.
The Offer of Opportunity is a very simple and sensitive statement of group purpose that draws people to seriously consider joining. It should be short.
"How would you like to be in the group that helps
the Smith Family recover from the disaster?"
the Smith Family recover from the disaster?"
Note that this is short and to the point. During the next task, actually meeting with the people and telling them of the opportunity to help, you will help the individuals think about and decide whether or not to join the Disaster Energy Group.
STARTING THE DISASTER NATURAL RELATIONSHIPS GROUP
(NRG or pronounced "Energy Group")
Call a Meeting
It is best to call those identified as potential Disaster Energy Group members and ask them to attend a meeting about helping the victim family or individual. Here is where all that "tuning-in" will be important. You will attempt in the phone call or face-to-face meeting that you understand the person you are talking to so that you can overcome any barriers or resistance to their attending the meeting.
Express that you know they are concerned because they are a friend or relative. Inform each person that out of the meeting a group will form to see the victim family or individual all the way to recovery. Tell them that at the meeting they can consider being a part of this important group effort. Or, at least, they can tell the new group of resources they may know of that can help.
Do your best to help them see that they can be of immeasurable help to their friend or relative or to the person hosting the victim family or individual. Help them to understand that the group effort means that no one has to have all the answers and the burden will not be placed on only a few people.
We call these groups Disaster Energy Groups, but that is for instructional purposes. You can just speak of a "Group to Help the Smith Family".
Some will not be able to attend the first meeting where people actually form a group to help. However, they can still join the group at a later time.
At the Meeting, Form a Contract
The Contract is a set of agreements between the members of a group– and also with the leader. The Contract establishes understanding and commitment necessary for the group to accomplish its purpose.
For most of the first meeting there will not be a group, only a collection of individuals working at deciding whether or not they want to form a group. Starting with item #10, the group has begun and has its own responsibilities.
THE FOLLOWING IS A WAY THE GROUP LEADER CAN GET A GROUP STARTED RIGHT. IN SO DOING, HE OR SHE WILL:
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1. Present the possibility of a group experience.
2 . Help prospective group members consider the offer. 3. Help those who want the group experience actually form a group. 4. Help the new group define their expectations through agreements that will help them be successful at achieving the group purpose. |
STEP ONE: Using your “tuning-in” that you did before this first meeting, help the potential group members know that you care for them and somewhat understand them and their life situations.
Informal conversation is the best way to communicate your understanding and help potential group members relax and feel comfortable enough to hear your “Offer of Opportunity” without reservation, and know that they can say “yes” or “no”.
Addressing everyone, ask them to stay for the whole meeting, even if it looks like they will not be able to join the group being offered. Let them know that their contributions at this time will be helpful to the group that does form.
STEP TWO: Offer the group in as simple a way as possible. Basically, you will communicate the “Offer of Opportunity” and lend a vision about the benefit of group participation, especially the benefits of working together.
Informal conversation is the best way to communicate your understanding and help potential group members relax and feel comfortable enough to hear your “Offer of Opportunity” without reservation, and know that they can say “yes” or “no”.
Addressing everyone, ask them to stay for the whole meeting, even if it looks like they will not be able to join the group being offered. Let them know that their contributions at this time will be helpful to the group that does form.
STEP TWO: Offer the group in as simple a way as possible. Basically, you will communicate the “Offer of Opportunity” and lend a vision about the benefit of group participation, especially the benefits of working together.
Let me propose a group purpose. How would you like to form a group to help the Smith Family recover from the recent hurricane and flooding? If you work together to help the Smith Family recover a good life, then you will have done something monumental and can feel really good. What do you think?
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STEP THREE: Help potential group members either accept the group as offered, modify the group, propose an acceptable alternative, or reject the idea of a group altogether.
Help individuals propose (or propose yourself if potential group members are unable) any needed modifications to more clearly define the purpose of the group, a purpose that is motivating because it is very important. But remember, the purpose must be one that fits your own purpose.
Help individuals propose (or propose yourself if potential group members are unable) any needed modifications to more clearly define the purpose of the group, a purpose that is motivating because it is very important. But remember, the purpose must be one that fits your own purpose.
Do you want to propose any changes to the group’s purpose? Presently it is the purpose of this proposed group to help the Smith Family recover from the recent hurricane and flooding. Do you want to modify this in any way?
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STEP FOUR: Lead a discussion on the cost of group membership for successful work toward accomplishment of the purpose. Things to consider may include but are not limited to the following: (a) time and length and frequency of meetings; (b) email or texting availability, (c) commitment to help one another and not let any burden overwhelm anyone, (d) confidentiality where needed, (e) etc.
I suggest that, if you decide to form this group, at the start meetings be weekly on Thursday nights from 7 to 9 pm. After critical things are accomplished to help the Smith Family, meetings can be changed by the group to less frequent, if desired. Would that work for you? Does any other time seem better? I might be able to meet at another time.
To be successful, group members will need to be fairly regular in attendance. Would this be hard for any of you? Since this will be an emergency situation for a while, can everyone be available by email and phone texting between meetings? Etc. |
STEP FIVE: Acquire from each potential member an agreement to be a part of the group, committed to the group’s purpose and willing to pay the cost of membership.
Restate your “Offer of Opportunity”.
If anyone does not want to join the group, ask them to stick around for the rest of this meeting and offer ideas. Let them know that if at any time they change their mind and want to join the group and its purpose to help the Smith Family, they just need to say so.
Restate your “Offer of Opportunity”.
If anyone does not want to join the group, ask them to stick around for the rest of this meeting and offer ideas. Let them know that if at any time they change their mind and want to join the group and its purpose to help the Smith Family, they just need to say so.
Do you want to do this? Do you want to form a group to help the Smith Family recover from the recent hurricane and flooding?
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STEP SIX: Ask for commitment of group members to each other.
Can each of you commit, not only to the group and its purpose, but also to each other as group members, to help each person help the group in its work toward the purpose and goals? If you help each other group member function at his or her best, the Smith Family will be helped much more and recovery will come quicker.
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STEP SEVEN: Help the potential group agree to and accept your role as group leader. Give and explain your own commitment to help the individuals become a functional group and to help the group work toward its purpose. Explain that success is in their control – you cannot guarantee it.
As group leader it is my job to help your group do its best to achieve the group purpose of seeing to it that the Smith Family recovers. It is not my position to be a member of the group or to actively help the Smith Family in any other way than helping you be the most successful group possible. I will need to be as little a part of the group’s process as possible so that I can analyze what is going on and what the group and individual members need to do to be successful.
My role is kind of like a coach, and your group is like a football team. I help. You do the actual work of making your group effective and helping the Smith Family. As long as you are in agreement to do this, I will commit to help you as a group to my best ability. I must not do what you are capable of doing, in order to not hold the group back from growth leading to success. It is your group, and you must become capable to do the work. I will not be distant or inactive, I will just be doing different things -- those things that will help you develop a healthy group that works toward its purpose. Do you agree to this leadership arrangement? |
STEP EIGHT: When they agree, it is time for you to commit yourself to help the group and its group members.
Since you have committed yourselves to the group, to one another, and to my help, I’m with you. I’ll help you as best as I can.
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STEP NINE: Explain that they have just formed a group: two or more people who need each other to work on a common purpose.
You have just done the most important thing for group success – you have become a group with a purpose that you will work on together as a group to achieve.
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STEP TEN: Go over a little more carefully who is to be a "true" member of their group. Explain that membership has benefits like cooperation and friendliness and respectfulness. Ask them if anyone cannot give those things to the people in the room who have accepted membership. Usually they will readily agree, and this may be important later if any of those things are withheld from someone.
Ask the group if there is anyone they know of who should be invited to be a member of the group, but was not.
Ask the group if there is anyone they know of who should be invited to be a member of the group, but was not.
Now you need to decide that everyone who is in this room and has agreed to be a member of the group will be a true member and receive the benefits of membership. Among many things, this includes friendliness, respectfulness, to be kept up to date on information, and cooperation in helping the Smith Family recover.
Do you agree that each of you is to be a member and receive these advantages of membership? Do you think anyone else should be in the group? If so, and you all agree, which means the group has made a decision about it, then you need to decide how to approach that person and bring him or her on board. |
STEP ELEVEN: Help the group explore the feelings of each member about being in the group so that work in the group can be as full of positive expectation and as free as possible of fear, ambivalence, anger, embarrassment, etc.
It will help if the group will ask each member how it feels to be in such a group as this is going to be. Expressions of excitement and anticipation will empower your group. Expressions of uncertainty and fear that something bad will happen will also be good to discuss.
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STEP TWELVE: Help the group explore what kinds of individual behavior will be expected of each of the members for the group to go well and be successful in helping the Smith Family recover.
It would be a good idea at this time to discuss among yourselves what might be required from each of you to help the group successfully work at accomplishing the group’s purpose of helping the Smith Family with the task of getting their life back.
It will speed things up if you now review ahead of time some of the things individual members will need to do for your group to be successful. An example might be that individuals need to offer suggestions without worrying if they are good suggestions so that creative thought will not be stiffled. |
STEP THIRTEEN: Help the group consider what it will need to do as a group, i.e. the group as a whole rather than the individual members. Help them to identify things like creating a "can do", positive, accepting atmosphere. There is no need for the group members to understand the span of their responsibilities. But they do need to know that the group as a whole will need to do many things – as a group. Considering some of them at the beginning of the group will focus the minds of group members as well as the group as a whole.
When you can get the time, go through at least the first two free courses at this site in Small Group Leadership. Course One will give you a feel for the most important things you need to do as a leader. Course Two will explain the breath of what the group needs to do. It will not take a lot of time to do this.
When you can get the time, go through at least the first two free courses at this site in Small Group Leadership. Course One will give you a feel for the most important things you need to do as a leader. Course Two will explain the breath of what the group needs to do. It will not take a lot of time to do this.
You might want to think of your group as a football group. There are many things that each of you must do for the group to be successful, as we have already discussed. For example, one of you might have to block, another go out for a pass, and another throw the football. And, all of you would have to eat right and exercise continually.
But, like a football them, there are many things you will have to do as a group. The football group as a group needs to get the ball across the goal line. You as a group also have responsibilities such as making every group member feel important, accepted and capable of contributing. So, what other things can you think of that you will have to do, working together to accomplish more than you can by mere individual contribution? [YOU AND THE GROUP PAUSE AND DISCUSS] Let me run through a few of the group’s responsibilities. The group will need to stay on track and keep focused on its purpose. Most groups fail because they do not fully understand and faithfully pursue their purpose. Sometimes the group will be like a wrestling tag match. One of you will say something to somebody. That somebody will not understand. Another of you will explain what was said in your own different way of saying things. That will probably help the person understand what the first person said to him or her. Making sure that the useful ideas of everyone are expressed is one of the most important tasks of your group. |
STEP FOURTEEN: Help the group discuss general goals in helping the Smith Family, if there is time.
Discuss the most urgent needs for immediate group action. Find out what both the host and the Smith Family need.
Discuss the most urgent needs for immediate group action. Find out what both the host and the Smith Family need.
Now your group is off and running.
Copyright 2012 Dick Wulf, Colorado, USA