Online Support Groups

Lesson 1: Components of an Effective Group

Group Associations

Group associations are pretty much just what they sound like, associations that your group has with:

• other groups
• support networks
• web sites
• other entities

Group associations can be a very good thing for most groups, as it can add quality and benefits that your members will appreciate and will find value in. However, you should not become associated with just any one. Thought and care should go into possible associations before they are made.

Support groups should consider possible associations with other like minded support groups based both online and in the real world. Also possible are associations with non-profit groups that can offer information and services to the group members. Associations with commercial web sites, and other companies should be carefully thought out and all possible benefits should be weighted against possible drawbacks to the association.

Other groups that are not necessarily 'support' oriented may benefit more from commercial associations, along with associations with other like-minded groups. In either situation, the benefits offered to the members of the group must be the first priority of the group owner.

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