Starting an Estranged Parents Group

I started this thread because I am too lazy to read thru posts to see which member asked the question about starting an estrangent group in their area.  But, it is great that we have grown so much already and are getting too many posts/replies to read thru in order to find a question.

Last fall, I actually started a group in New Jersey.  It was for estranged "grandparents".    I am not certain whether it still exists; however, there are groups in 48 states.   I suggest contacting Alienated Grandparents Anonymous (located in Florida).  "Amanda" is the founder/contact person.  Before starting the group, she and I spoke on the phone, went back and forth by e-mail and she gave me so much assistance and provided documents, fliers, meeting ideas, along with a contact list of interested people from New Jersey.

Setting date, time and place was the most difficult part.  Once those details were established, facilitating the meetings was really easy.  Amanda had given me meeting format, topics for discussion, etc.  Ours was very relaxed and informal and I think that is the best way to go.   My township turned out to be the most centrally locatd for those who expressed a desire to attend.   I reserved the local library meeting room (free) and chose a Saturday morning.  I discovered some older people don't drive at night, some people work during the day so, for us, Saturday morning seemed to work the best.  We met from 10:00a.m. - 12:00pm.   Note that we actually didn't start meeting until about 10:30, so 1-1/2 hr. was just enough.  I made certain we had coffee and donuts/bagels, etc. and it really broke the ice when everyone arrived.

At the first meeting we had introductions along with a very SHORT version of our estrangements.  At future meetings we could have more details about estrangements, but we all know how much time we could use telling our stories.   We talked about the goals of AGA, INC. and then I showed a short video by Dr. Coleman.  Then we discussed video and before closing I had an encouraging story of reconciliation and always tried to end on a positive note.

Now for the problem....at least for me (and a few others).  Although we met once a month, and I tried to coordinate the meetings with understanding and hope, when I left, I felt depressed and realized that talking about it, especially in person, brought up old thoughts and feelings more than being encouraging or supportive.   After a few meetings, I made a decision that the meetings were not good for me and I stepped down.  I don't want to be discouraging about establishing a group, I simply want to be honest and, as I said, a few others felt like I did.  I am told there are very successful groups throughout our country so my feelings are not those of others.  I simply wanted to share that.

I believe it is easier to be on a site like this, where we can pick and choose when we want to be on, whether or not we want to share, absolutely no pressure, etc.  And, as I have said on other posts/replies, I have met some really special friends from being on DS and, now, on here and did have personal meet-ups.   But they came after a time of posting/replying and getting to know personalities.

Sorry, for not taking the time to find and send a pm to the person who was interested in forming a group.  But, hopefully, this was helpful to others.  And, most of all, please remember like everything else, this is simply my opinion.   We are all different.   Love you all.........