Help/feedback on starting a support group

by Dawn 6 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Dawn

  A few friends and I would like to start up a support group for x-JW's in our area. The longer I am out and the more I have healed, the more my heart breaks for those that are still floundering about not knowing what to do or where to go. My life has evolved into such a wonderful beautiful thing - freedom and peace - I just wish this for so many others that are still suffering. I have talked with a number of x-JW's that still think the borg is the right and they are just bad people.......it is so sad.

  I wanted to advertise and start up a group but I would have to give my name, phone# and address in order to place the ad. I tried placing it in person and paying cash - no go - a woman called back and said she needed all my personal info - which made me a little cautious so I didn't give it to her. I still have family "in" and don't want to break what little ties I have left with the hope that maybe some day I can reach them.

  The other problem is where to have it.......I think people would like to come but are afraid of being "caught" as the elders will most likely also see the ad and case out the joint.

  I'm not afraid of being "caught" there - I can play dumb........but how do I get around placing the ad without giving my personal info.......and what about ideas on a place to have it that would offer more security for others who do not want to be seen. Any ideas?
• 

  SanFranciscoJim

  The first thing you want to do is build a web site. Nothing fancy - just a brief description of the group, it's geographical location (no need to be specific), and a contact email and/or phone number.

  You might also consider getting a P.O. Box for "snail mail" correspondence, since not everyone is internet savvy just yet.

  Finally, you might want to invest $5 per month on a toll-free voice mail number from any number of on-line sources (I use http://www.ureach.com/).

  Good luck!
• 

  RAYZORBLADE

  Dawn, it's very commendable that you would want to start a support group for ex JWs.

  That's very thoughtful, kind and loving.

  Right now, considering what you've written about being 'out' so-to-speak, you may obviously not be in a position to start a group if you are not fully free ie: family, friends, and the worry of elders finding out.

  That right there sends red flags up for me.

  Maybe not just yet.

  But...all is not lost.

  As I do not know what state/province or country you are in (and I don't need to know); is there anyone that you know who is fully 100% out of the organization that is NOT afraid to place and ad, therefor having to devulge their name etc.?

  Otherwise, what will happen: keep in mind, I've been out of the organization for nearly 20 years. You will be all in constant fear of who is Agent Provocateur. That will cause suspicions, and when people are still afraid and suspicious, the group will implode.

  I've been there....more than once with groups like that.

  For me, what truly worked, was someone who was fully out of the organization.....yet respectful of others positions with regards to 'family members in the organization', 'believing spouses', and the list goes on.

  Honestly, I don't think you're in any position to start a group.

  But your notion to organize such a group is truly considerate and very good-hearted.

  But.....my experience is, if the host/organizer is still playing by the WTS rules/or have residual contact with full fledged JWs, they cannot not offer support if they are not yet strong enough to break away from the organization.

  Perhaps it's better to be a supporter, as opposed to an organizer.

  People will seek strength and an example of someone who is 'living successfully outside of the organization'. If this is not evident, people will either leave or head back to the Kingdom Hall.

  Find someone who is respectful of your present position, who is fully out of the Borg., and can put themselves out there without any reprecussions.

  Best wishes Dawn. That's very considerate of you, just the same.
• 

  Dawn

  Razorblade - thank you for your honesty. I think you are right - I have one person still on the "inside" that I want to maintain contact with.

  I have a couple of friends that are completely out - they may be willing to place the ad - I'll talk with them.

  Any ideas on a location?
• 

  RAYZORBLADE

  Locations: well, in my experience.

  Public places: coffee shops/cafes, or small restaurants.

  Something that is easy accessible, and a place 'anyone' could go to.

  Weekends seem to work best.

  I'm confident you and your friends will select the appropriate place. From what I can gather, you folks would be so considerate of 'others', I am sure in a month or two....we'll be reading about 'Dawn's Successful Gathering': I can hardly wait to read about it.
• 

  unique1

  www.meetup.com

  You can see if there is a group in your area of ex-jehovah witnesses already supporting each other or you can start a group on there. We have one here in the Triad North Carolina and it has become well supported.
• 

  mouthy

  I have had a support group for 14 years. But I have a post office box. I also have a web page
  http://exjehovahswitness.homestead.com/exjehovahswitnesses.html . You could do that have a false name ..... You can use my box # if you want & I will send you any info they send. I have had Hundreds respond from all over Canada & USA---That is good of you to want to help the lost.... I have been blessed immensly
  Or put it in a free paper ( we have the Pennysaver) Just my 2 cents