Encouragement Committee!
Do you remember the first time you tried out a support room? How easy was it to get involved in the conversation? Did you feel heard and cared for? What kind of things did others do to help you feel welcome and part of the community?
We really want to ensure that all our support room users feel welcomed and encouraged by the community. With this in mind, Id like to try out an Encouragement Committee!
This is a new project and everyone is welcome to get involved! Mods, listeners and members alike. Its really simple! Keep reading to learn more.....
What Do I Need To Do?
- Look out for newcomers in the support room. Say hello and provide a warm welcome!
- Make an effort to learn more about people. What brings them to the room today? How are they feeling? How is their day going?
- Pay attention to those trying to share in the rooms and be sure to acknowledge them. - Talking in the support room can feel incredibly daunting - a warm, friendly face can make all the difference. Let others know youve got their back!
- Encourage one another. Any time you see someone being brave, or honest, or strong - let them know theyre doing great!
POST BELOW IN THE THREAD IF YOU'RE IN!
You can also share any other ideas you have for helping people to feel welcomed, safe and cared for in the support rooms. Tell us how it goes for you! Did you make a difference to anyones day? Every smile helps!
Good luck and goodbye.
I want in!
Count me in! :)
I am in...and I feel this is something that I already aim to do.
I think this is a great idea...however, I also think it should be happening already, especially if you come into the room as a listener, mod, or a regular member in that room. When I first joined, I had a great example of how to be open and welcoming in the rooms from different moderators, listeners and even members. However, somewhere along the way, the part of welcoming others in...and making everyone feel comfortable has seemed to disappear somewhat. I'm not saying that there aren't still many people that do a great job of making others feel welcomed, and comfortable to participate, but I've been in the rooms far too many times lately when people just talk amongst themselves, and seem to ignore and not pay any attention to anyone that doesn't come in as "part of the group". I can understand this more, when it's just members in there talking alone, (still not right...but more understandable). But if there is a listener, or a mod in the room, that needs to be part of what they're in there doing in my opinion, welcoming ALL people, not just those specific few. Yeah, it's easier talking to those people we already "know", I fully agree with that, but everyone here needs that hand reaching out to and for them. I do realize that connecting with a listener is an option for them too, if they're needing that hand reaching out...however that step can be awfully scary and the support rooms are at times the first part of 7cups someone sees...and if it's a bad experience in there...might be the only part of 7 cups that person sees. It's sad...7cups is supposed to be a place we can all feel comfortable, and feel like it's our home, no matter what area in 7cups you are, whether that be 1-on-1's, group support, forums, feeds, etc. But for someone to come in for group support, and leave feeling even more alone than when they came in...that's just wrong, and kind of defeats the purpose of why those rooms are even there for us.
Anyway...end of my long rant of encouragement to be welcoming and loving. Likely everyone that reads this is someone that is already being loving and welcoming in the rooms...just felt like I needed to get that off my chest after some of my experiences in the rooms lately.
I do LOVE 7cups, and all the support and help it's provided me over this past year, and I'm not saying any of this to be negative, or to get people upset. I guess just wanting everyone to realize the impact we can and do have on others, as we interact in the group support rooms.
@Moj Good afternoon, Moj. Yes, I too, have noticed this as well. I'm a new member to the 7 cups of tea family. I am currently going thru the assessment to become a: 7 cups of tea Listener. As an Encourager & someone who is sought after for emotional support I offer my apology to you. As it is not warm or welcoming to enter a Support area and not find hopeful, nor encouragement when one needs it. Respectfully & Sincerely
I'm 100% in
Be glad too
Can you count me in?
Great idea. :)
nice concept ! im in !
This sounds Fantastic!
