NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator Training The Importance of Fidelity Working Together

NAMI Family Support Group Why Must We Have Fidelity?

NAMI Family Support Group Fidelity (according to Merriam-Webster) 1 a : the quality or state of being faithful b : accuracy in details: exactness

NAMI Family Support Group The people's good is the highest law. Cicero, De Legibus Roman author, orator, & politician (106 BC - 43 BC)

NAMI Family Support Group Why do people go to a Support Group? To leave feeling better than when we came To feel that we contributed as well as we were supported To feel in a very real way that we have something in common with others

NAMI Family Support Group Sincere Uncritical Acceptance

NAMI Family Support Group Face facts We know these are “tried and true” remedies that do no harm

NAMI Family Support Group The very last thing any of us wants is to contribute to someone’s difficulties

NAMI Family Support Group Working Together

NAMI Family Support Group Relationships can be tough

NAMI Family Support Group I understand that as a NAMI Family Support Group facilitator my responsibility is the greater good of the group. I also understand that fidelity to the model contributes to the greater good.

NAMI Family Support Group I agree - to be open with and to show respect for my co- facilitators regarding any behaviors that may be detracting from the model or from the greater good of the group.

NAMI Family Support Group In order to do this I will: develop kind ways to approach my co-facilitator about a behavior that may concern me,  ask for assistance from someone else if I do not think that I have the ability to do so in a kind way, be open to listening to the observations of my co-facilitator, AND

NAMI Family Support Group  be willing to try to adjust my behavior to be faithful to the model and dedicated to the greater good of the group,  without taking offense or taking negative actions against my co-facilitator for having done so.

NAMI Family Support Group Sincere Uncritical Acceptance

NAMI Family Support Group We each experience things differently. When something happens that seems to vary from what we believe is correct most of us feel a need to change it.

NAMI Family Support Group When another Family Support Group leader gathers the courage to approach us about a concern he or she has, we need to keep that space where he or she comes to us a safe space for both.

NAMI Family Support Group The best time to talk with your co-facilitator is outside the group time. “Correcting” another person in front of the group can be hurtful.

NAMI Family Support Group Peaceful Conversations Prepare yourself Ask an opening question Listen Deeply & Affirm

NAMI Family Support Group 1.Objectively say what happened 2.Respectfully say how you feel 3.Respectfully say what you need 4.Make a request

NAMI Family Support Group A Peaceful Conversation might go like this: Prepare yourself (My co-facilitator has been late to group the last 2 weeks & I want to know what is keeping her from arriving on time and what she needs so she can arrive in time to help get set up so we can start on time.) Opening question: “Jill, how are you feeling about how group is going?” Listen deeply (don’t just plan what you’re going to say)

NAMI Family Support Group Peaceful conversation (cont.) Objectively state what happened: “Jill, the last 2 weeks you’ve been late to group.” Respectfully say how you feel: “I feel frustrated that the group can’t start on time because we are not set up.” Respectfully say what you need: “I need to know that everything will be ready before the group arrives.” Make a request: “I need to have your help getting ready for group at least half the time and that you let me know if you won’t be able to get to the group early enough to help.”

NAMI Family Support Group You made it through the approaching peacefully and listening deeply and respectfully... Now…

NAMI Family Support Group Self-CareAffirmations Breathe deeply Visualize a tranquil place Let go of expectations Stay in the now moment Debrief yourself Use an affirmation Sincere, Uncritical Acceptance I am open to a peaceful outcome How can I bring joy into this moment? Peace, Peace, Peace All is well