A Network of Holistic Support Groups

Given the perspective articulated in “Mutual Support for Self-Development,” how might a community dedicated to such holistic mutual support develop? The method proposed here is to grow a Network of Mutual Support Teams whose members:

●      endorse the same mission statement, such as Americans for Humanity: A Declaration;
●      commit themselves to become more compassionate individuals and more effective activists;
●      report to one another about their personal and political change efforts at least once a month;
●      meet occasionally with members from other teams in the network;
●      nurture a spirit of community within and between teams.

The monthly reports, which would be confidential, could begin with a minute or two of silence to enable members to reflect, meditate, or pray. Members would then respond to this question: “What are you feeling and thinking about your recent personal and political change efforts?”

It would be clear that each member defines their own goals. There would be no pressure to correct any behavior. And there might be no “cross-talk” or other interaction during those reports.

Team members would, of course, support one another informally in many other ways. Feedback and advice could be offered informally later, ideally with consent. Additional meetings could be scheduled to go into issues more deeply. But all that would be optional. The only requirement would be the brief monthly report.

Reporting regularly can help hold us accountable for our commitments. Knowing we’d be asked to report, we’d be more conscious of our commitments during the month and more likely act on them. Since each member might report for only sixty seconds once a month, why not do it?

Regardless of their political or religious perspective, different kinds of groups could join such a network. Those groups include:

●      a committee within an activist organization;
●      a book club;
●      a religious organization’s social action committee or Bible study group;
●      a workgroup at a socially responsible business;
●      a group whose members belong to various activist organizations or do their activism as unaffiliated individuals.

Many of these groups could also share a meal and socialize informally as a way for members to get to know one another more fully. Time permitting, larger meetings could ask members to report briefly on their personal growth efforts as well as their political actions during introductions. Activist organizations could adopt official policies to encourage their members to support one another with their self-development. Residents of other countries could join the network, endorse its mission statement, and form mutual support teams to advance it. Individuals who do not participate themselves might see the value for others and tell them about it.

The basic goal is simple: an easy-to-learn method that people can use to support one another in their personal and political change efforts — a method that can spread widely and quickly as did the twelve-step method.

The method presented here seems to hold potential for achieving that goal and growing a large community of people who endorse the same mission and use the same method for pursuing that mission and help transform the System — so everyone can be all they can be.