Room Supporters AMA

What time zone?

Room Supporter AMA Notes: October 19, 2021

9:00 am ET (Adults) and 11 am ET (Teens)

Attendees: @GoldenTriangle909 @Iamalittlerebel @Jish07541 @ciaraaa @ReyMaybe @BearListens @pizzabhoiFromTheGulag @theriverissinging @shiningRainbows65 @cheerfulIceCream @Peter1973 @brightWindow2311 @Universallove1 @communicativePenny8383 @Mochichita @GoldenRuleJG @forcefulSkies9404 @PuzichkinCat @AffyAvo @DeathRow1996 @empatheticLavender2924 @jv13076 @Poppyistiny @ferventflame @considerateParadise6717 @CheeryMango @Bubblegumwings1234 @emotionalTalker2260 @Everlee @Helpingout234 @blueberrywaffles @simtheperson @Hope @amusingCoconut5687 @YiannisAthanasiou @DreamTouch @Cambion @Greenchoice1 @Mickeymakay

Is this a one time session or weekly repeating session?

Room supporter sessions will be held each week at 9 am ET (Adults) and 11 am ET (Teens). We will have team meetings bi-weekly and informational discussions/ AMAs on alternating weeks. These times above are for the 4th quarter. In December, a new poll will be sent out to choose meeting times for the first quarter starting in January 2022.

Does everyone know what a room supporter is or what they do?

For those of you who aren't sure what a room supporter is, they are amazing volunteers who spend time in group support rooms leading discussions, keeping rooms safe, and chatting with members and leaders in group support room.Room supporters are part of sub community leadership teams they wish to support. As a room supporter, you can host, assist in keeping the room safe, active, and supportive for members, and support other leaders in the sub community.

Participant Answer: Oh as a RS I support my Mod in different forum activities, host guided discussions, open chats and other sessions, help writing scripts or planning events of the community

Who can be a Room Supporter?

Any member or listeners who meet the qualifications for Room Supporter are encouraged to apply.

Members may apply HERE

Listeners may apply HERE

As a Room supporter one will have to enroll in the program as well?

There's no enrollment. For members, you would need to pass a compassion course to be added as a room supporter. If you have questions about the compassion course, you can PM @peaceloveandpaws for assistance.

Assist in keeping the room safe and supportive" how does that work? Is it just applying censorship?

No, there is more to the role than applying censorship. Keeping a room safe and supportive could mean de-escalating situations through redirection, (like asking an icebreaker question), supporting inclusivity so that everyone can be heard, reminding participants about group support guidelines, greeting those entering the room, validating emotions, or calling for a moderator if there is an emergency.

Participant Answer: Supportive to me would mean to maintain an overall safe space for participants to feel comfortable being in the room and participate

Can anyone name any of the sub communities at 7 Cups? Depression, Anxiety support, 35+ support, Relationship Support, Family and Caregivers, Health Living were examples given in the AMA session. There are many subcommunities here at 7 Cups a room supporter may wish to support. The role of a Room Supporter is chatroom/group support room based.

What are the responsibilities of an RS?

Each team may have individual needs. In general, a room supporter can host discussions in group rooms for the teams they support. This is important, especially for support rooms that open occasionally, to offer support to members. In rooms that are open and active 24/7, room supporters can assist team members by supporting discussions, being a welcoming presence in the room, using active listening to support participants, and keeping the vibe in the room supportive. For more information about the duties of a room supporter, please click HERE

What is active listening?

Active listening is a vital part of being a group supporter. Active listening, in group support, is the ability to focus completely on the participants, to understand their messages, and respond thoughtfully. Engage with and reply to participant responses while in the group support room. Use reflection, empathy, validation, and professionalism. Being supportive, non-judgemental, professional, thoughtful, and compassionate of all participants is the key to being an active listener.

I have an idea about the time commitment, but could you explain if there are any specifics?

There are time commitments attached to the role. The time commitment for a listener is 1 hour per team you support each month. For teens and member room supporters, the time commitment is 30 minutes per month per team you support. This is the minimum. Each team may need something different. If you have the role or want to have the role, check with the team leader about the team’s needs.Teens and Members are asked to host for 30 minutes each month per room they support.This is the minimum. Each team may need something different, in terms of support. Please check with the team leader about the team’s needs.

A Message from @CherryMango: There is a monthly quota of 50 messages per team that you are a part of. Room Supporters can join up to 3 teams when you apply for the role.

Suggestions for Future Room Supporter Discussions:

1. Active listening in a group support setting

2. A discussion about various scenarios in groups support, especially gray areas

3. Professionalism

What ideas or feedback do you have for me to improve the quality of meetings we have for room supporters?

Participant Answer: I think this is overall going in a good direction. I feel like the role has many components and aspects and this is a good start to me!

Participant Answer: I too think this is a good start

A Message from Paws: Room Supporters will have a new sub forum in the Group Support sub community where meeting notes, updates, and information will be shared. I'm very excited to have our own space. You can find the link HERE

A Message from @CheeryMango: Hi everyone. I’m Mango and I help to oversee the chatroom moderators in group support. I’m also available to help you with switching teams or putting your badges on break if needed.