Lead an ICFI Support Group

ICFI is currently seeking support group facilitators for the following areas:

Columbus, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana (south side/downtown)
Lafayette, Indiana
Muncie, Indiana

Support Group Facilitator Description

ICFI utilizes a facilitator to lead their support group meetings.  This ensures that the groups remain consistent and controlled.

The roles of the support group facilitator include:

-Prepare a few conversation-starting questions before each month’s meeting (ex. Can be provided by ICFI Executive Director).

-Arriving 15 minutes before each support group meeting to set up the room (if necessary), lay out handouts, post support group understandings, and set out beverages and snacks.

-Greet families, introduce yourself as families arrive.

-Start the group meeting by welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming.  Review the support group agreements (see support group agreements handout) before every meeting.  Invite someone to begin the conversation, asking that each person share their first name and as much or as little of their story as they are comfortable sharing.

-If conversations do not begin naturally after introductions, start a conversation by asking one of the planned questions.

During Meeting:

- Keep emotions in check, helping to calm down any intense conversations and avoid arguments.

-Keep conversations flowing, asking questions when necessary.

-Take notes on group discussions (not detailed, just what’s discussed in general) as well as attendance and successes of meeting.

-Pass out and collect surveys (when applicable, more directions can be provided by ICFI ED).

-Remind group of next meeting place, date, and time.

-End meeting on time (very important).

-Clean up room and materials.

A small stipend is available to facilitators for their time