We have been running since the spring of 2000. Along the way, we have learned lessons.

We have experimented with various formats. Our current one is working well. Our usual calendar includes a fall planning meeting in which we organize a basic calendar and topic list for the year. From September to May, our meetings are organized around individual topics and open to new members The Summer Growth series is a 4 to 6 session series that goes in depth on a specific topic.  Members interested in participating in the Summer Growth Series commit to attending all sessions.

ADDers do a better job of coming to meetings if they remember. They do a better job of remembering if they get a phone call a day or two in advance.  We use Calling Post to place reminder calls.  It is cheap, but not free.  If you want to be on the list, call Megan Brightwell (see home for phone number) and donate your five dollars.

ADDers get burnt out if they take on too many tasks in the group and members are more invested if they share in the responsibility.  And, this group is a great place to work on the responsibility skills most of us struggle with.  So... we try to distribute group leadership tasks among all members. Long term roles are distributed annually.  Others are distribued at each session.

The long term roles we currently use are: General Coordinator, Scheduling Coordinator, Phone call persons, Archivist, Electronic Resource Cooordinator.

All group members share the responsibilty of leading individual sessions.  Sessions are surprisingly easy to prepare.  They usually follow one of two standard structures and we often have specific resources available. The session leader is responsible for materials preparation and leading the next meeting with the help of a timekeeper or coleader.  If the session leader cannot attend, they are responsible for finding a substitute or canceling the meeting.  

None of us is very good with time, and most of us like to talk a lot so... All participants are responsible to help the group remain on time and topic by disciplining themselves and accepting other's prompts.

We have also found that many of our members are highly sensitive people. Many of our struggles with ADD are a source of pain in our lives.  Because of past hurts, people can be very vulnerable, even in areas that seem mundane.  Though we are not a therapy group, we count on one another to monitor the emotional environment to help keep one another safe.

In most or all sessions journal writing and sharing is employed to help discipline the discussions and allow all members to participate fully and safely. We suggest that you bring a binder with paper or a journal book to take notes and keep handouts.   You might want a pen too...

We look forward to meeting you

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