Support Group - Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network

Suggested Techniques For Recruiting
Group Members
Charles Adams, New Jersey Self-Help Clearinghouse
y List your group in the Joining People with Diabetes “Diabetes Support Groups in Michigan
Guide”. (See Appendix for listing information)
y Place notices in key posting areas: churches, schools, organizations, clubs, shops, hospitals,
nursing homes, community bulletin boards, libraries, and post offices.
y Print and distribute one-page flyers on your self-help group.
y Write a brief notice and ask that it be placed in church bulletins/ newsletters.
y Arrange to give a formal presentation about your group to appropriate organizations:
church, community, civic, private and business.
y Speak to clergy, doctors, administrators, agency directors, social workers, media personnel,
nurses or anyone who might be sympathetic to your need.
y If health-related, contact your local hospital social services department and community
health education department.
y Talk to persons who have started self-help groups and ask what methods they used in
recruiting members.
y Contact local offices, associations and foundations that address your area of concern, (e.g.
diabetes education program, office on aging, Cancer Society, March of Dimes, mental
health association, disability organization, etc.).
y Write a brief radio spot and send it to the local radio stations requesting they air it as a
public service announcement.
y Write a letter-to-the-editor explaining your group’s purpose (it is especially likely to be
printed if your comment is in response to a current article or editorial).
y Call the local crisis center or information/ referral helpline to make sure they know of your
group’s existence.
y Form a professional advisory committee, invite key resource persons to serve and enlist
their ideas and help in publicizing the group.
y Design a brochure that explains your group’s purpose, activities and services.
y Talk to the public relations staff at local industries and businesses about getting
announcements in their periodicals or newsletters.
y Determine which agencies/ organizations print community or social service directories.
Contact them and request your group be included.
Reprinted by permission from the National Network For Mutual Help Centers and the Michigan Protection
& Advocacy Service
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