What are our online support groups like?
** This notice is updated from time to time, so PLEASE read it **

This is to help new or returning members be familiar with our guidelines. Please take a moment to review. Anytime you have questions or comments, including feedback about our groups, PLEASE feel free to email your group moderator at AMAC-owner@yahoogroups.com. Your feedback helps us to grow and improve. You matter!!

--Our guidelines:--

This group is moderated. That means that when you decide to join, you agree that you will make certain commitments. Why do we do that? And like what, you ask? Although not a doctor, the groups' moderators have more than 15 years of experience in group therapy and recovery programs. We believe that for a support group to be worthwhile, its members must feel as safe as possible, they must feel respected and valued and they must commit to interacting. Only then will they begin to learn the dynamics necessary. There are no perfect ways to go about this. The down side of having "rules" is that often, AMACs feel that they're not doing it well enough, not doing it "right". So understand that you're not required to impress others. Participate as you are able, within the framework of these boundaries. We don't like to be put in a position of asking members to leave due to an inability to follow the rules. So after reading this, if you feel this group isn't for you, please unsubscribe with no hard feelings. It takes time to get to the place where you are ready for a support group that requires commitment. When you are ready, we will still be here.

Here are the main guidelines at AMAC:
* You agree not to contact other listmembers outside of the forum without their permission.

* You agree to post your Ice Breaker introduction form within 48 hours of subscribing. We do this because members feel safer if they know who is in the room with them. It also sparks conversation and lets us see that we have so much in common.

* You agree that if you need to switch to a "no email" option, you will contact the group moderator and give notice.

* You agree to post a message at least once per month.

* You agree not to send in chain letters.

* You agree not to post links w/o moderator's approval.

* While not required, it is helpful to all members if you announce your departure to the group before you unsubscribe. This lets them say goodbye. Practicing beginnings and endings is very healing.

<< *DO NOT* send unsubscribe requests to the list or moderator. Remove yourself by sending blank email to AMAC-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMAC and unsub there. >>

<< Talking, especially among strangers can be intimidating. Start slowly. Nothing shared is ever stupid. Everything you read here may not be right for you. Take what you want, and leave the rest. Insulting and abusing other members will not be tolerated. >>

<< Comments posted in this forum are simply the opinions of the author and not meant to be taken as professional medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult face to face with a physician, therapist or counselor and/or psychiatrist. Take care of you. >>

<< Too much email? Receive the list mail in digest instead of individual messages. One digest email contains 25 messages. Send a blank email to: AMAC-digest@yahoogroups.com or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMAC >>

<< CONFIDENTIALITY: *NOTHING* posted on this list may be reprinted without the written permission of both the author AND the list owner. No member may disclose names and/or email addresses or personal information of other members without same permission. Breaching confidentiality is grounds for being unsubscribed. By subscribing to this group, you automatically agree to follow these guidelines. >>

Guidelines may be added or changed at anytime. Please read these bi-monthly notices to stay updated. Thanks for your time.

Take care, go gently.
-Bridget
Site Guide/Group moderator
AMAC-owner@yahoogroups.com

--Some helpful offline resources:--
RAINN hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
Suicide hotline: 1-800-725-8255

-- Have creative ideas or web building skills? --
We need YOU! Contact site guide for more info
Visit our site often, invite your recovery friends
http://amac.usclargo.com