Ten Golden Rules of Being in a Group - Copied from Thriving Around Chronic Illness

TACI Group Rules:
10 Golden Rules of Being in a Group:

1. Personal attacks are NOT allowed. There is a difference between saying, “I believe this” or “For me, things are more like….” and “You are this”

2. There will be things people post with which you disagree. You are welcome to politely say you disagree, but you are not welcome to tell other people what to think.

3. We are NOT doctors (regardless of what we do during the day). Advice on this group is just that – advice. Nothing is to be taken as professional information. Instead, you are assumed to be intelligent and capable individuals who can practice due diligence and research the advice to see if it might apply to you and your situation.

4. Public flame wars and fights are not acceptable. If you cannot resolve (privately and politely) the matter, please contact the Admin BEFORE posting anything else on the topic.

5. LABEL your posts.
     a. When you just want to vent (and there are days we all need to do that), please label the post VENT
     b. When you want advice, please label the post HELP.
     c. And if it is off topic, but something you want to share, please label it OT.

6. You are welcome and encouraged to share all parts of your life. This is a support group, but support spans multiple aspects (domains) of life.

7. You are welcome to post pictures and other files.

8. This is a support group for adults. However, we have many different people with different values. Please keep things fairly clean. A swear-word here and there is fine – most people use them. A post that has nothing but swear words does not contribute much to supporting people.

9. Lots of information is lost in between being thought and being typed. If you are not sure how to take something, please ask before feeling hurt. On too many groups the people get their feelings hurt when no harm was intended.

10. Harassing people from group will result in being removed from group. Continual breaking of the rules will result in being removed from group.

Suggestion – With a chronic illness, condition, or situation it is very easy to see the negative. Things are not all rainbows, hugs, and love. HOWEVER, a group where there is nothing but pain being shared does not help people. So, please share your pain and your struggles, but ALSO share your strategies, joys, and triumphs. Share your inspiration!

I want this to be a safe place where we can seek understanding, offer support, and feel accepted. Please help in creating this for us all!

Laura, Administrator.