New Chapters and Leaders: Here's how

Hi Y'all It's not a given that every state has an OH Support Group chapter (and some have more than one). The need was great and their were plenty of numbers, but we have a OH chapter because Kat started the ball rolling for herself as a leader and for the OHLA group which she founded and supported. OH provides literature and support, but it's highly dependent on one person to step out and spent the time (and money) to form an official OH chapter. Kat did all that and when she left, I merely kept the meetings going and started the process to become an "affliate" toward chapter leader. That being said, I would love to open the door for more OH support groups in the state. OH is like "Big Brother/Sister," but it really starts with one person who must decide that they want to be a leader. Leaders aren't chosen or nominated and they don't get much more than "advice" from OH on forming a support group. If you feel led to do so, there's nothing standing in your way and like I said, the more, the merrier. It is possible to have a support group that has no ties to OH and it will be listed with their list of support groups. Here's the definition of Chapter, Affliate, Candidates and support groups: http://beta.obesityhelp.com/ohsupportgroups/what.html Kat is an chapter leader and I'm only a candidate on the way to affliate. Here are the step to becoming a chapter leader: http://beta.obesityhelp.com/ohsupportgroups/ladder.html Any of you can form support groups without going through these steps; just start meeting and watch your group grow. I want to applaud Kat for making the purchases, completing the training and doing all the networking it took to make OHLA a reality. I didn't do it and I don't think I could have. We have a great opportunity as we bind our state back together after the storms. I encourage all potential leaders to step forth cause we do need this kind of service in our communities. All my best, Frances

Awww you're gonna make me It wasn't that hard... just a case of "See a need, fill a need" (you parents might recognize the Disney line)... We needed a group that didn't include a sales pitch or dry surgeon's speech every session. Something for the patients to just plain support each other... and OH gives us that chance... The rest was fun, I got to meet lots of people, and had a blast doing it... and I'll fully admit to being lazy and holding it at my house at first because it was so simple to do... OHLA has an email group on www.yahoogroups.com because it was free, all I did was type it in and VOILA! people started joining! Anyway, I guess what I wanted to say was how great a job Frances is doing and she's right... it is all about one person saying "That's the kind of support group I want to be in" and doing it And I can't thank Frances enough for picking up where I had to leave... I was so disappointed to think that my pet project (OHLA) would die when I left... it means the world to me that OHLA is important to you folks too! To steal another movie line.... "If you build it... they will come" and it's true! So if you're looking for a similar group in your area... pick a day, pick a time, and START... It really is as simple as that... one of the groups meeting here in Fort worth is a GREAT coffee group... we meet every other Saturday at a local coffee house to socialize and support... about 20 people come... no one does teaching, no one speaking or lecturing to the entire group... everyone grabs something to drink, and gets tons of support from other patients for a couple of hours! Since I can no longer be there to have the support at OHLA, I'm doing it here in Texas all over again... my house, July 15... support meeting "slash" pool party! It's not hard really!

Oh, sniffle-snap! "Did I ever tell you that you're my heeeee-ro! And everything I would like to be..." I feel the need to sing "Wing beneath my Wings," but I can't figure out who gets to be Barbara Hersey ... how bout salt and pepper Bette Midlers? Seriously, Kat, I've not given up hope that you will come back home. I'm just keeping your seat warm. I need you and I miss you. Onward! Frances

Thanks for the info. Frances, I think that you are great and I don't want you to think that I am trying to pull away from the group that you have going in Baton Rouge, I just want to add to the experience and pull more people together. I don't have a lot of extra money to throw into this, but one of the other ladies said that she thought that we may be able to get a room at the library for free and I have a computer and a copier at home. We could always do like Kat said too, we could meet at a coffee house and just talk. I just think that I really need the support of others that are doing the "dance" that I am doing and I am sure that there are others that feel the same way. I am having trouble accessing the links that you gave me in your post, but I will try again in the daylight. Maybe its just the time and location right now. Thanks again. I will see you soon. Debbie

Hi Debbie, I see we are both night owls. In the missionary approach, a group is deemed a success when it branches into a new group. I highly recommend getting a support group going on the Northshore even if it's just folks meeting for sugar free latte and hugs. I'm here to help in anyway that we can. Onward! Frances

Frances, I have always been up late. When my "guys" were young it was the only time to get things done and now that they are all growed up, it is the only time I can do things when they aren't asking me what I am doing and adding their "2 cents" in. I love em, but now instead of dealing with just one man, I gotta deal with three, thank goodness the fourth is married and his wife deals with him most of the time. If I do get this group started, can I still come to yours too! Debbie

Awesome