I have been reading, but not commenting. I don't neccessarily think this is a bad thing. All support groups have a moderator or leader.

All groups have a leader whether official or not. Some people have the title of leader and truly aren't leaders.

Has anyone clicked on the link to learn more? Or are we all just afraid and reacting from that fear of change? I don't think giving someone the official title of "community leader" will significantly change the dynamics of this group.

Just my opinion,

Laura

Hi Laura,

Indeed, reading the link was one of the first things I did and it is part of why I have taken the position I have.

It is simply not true that all groups have leaders. The "leaderless" approach to support groups is both well established and preferred in many cases. Here's one example:

http://sites.google.com/site/bmmgorg/how-a-leaderless-support-group-works

There are two local groups where I live that I know are also leaderless - one for people with Parkinsons and one for parents who have lost children. A brief bit of Googling will demonstrate that this approach has a lengthy history, and for very good reasons.

My concern about "Community Leaders" stems specifically from my experience with such roles in the past. I believe there are places where such roles are absolute necessary. But I also firmly believe this is group is not one of them.

In a group like this one, assigning such roles very quickly changes the group dynamics. In the end and however well-intentioned, it is frequently the case that those who garner the favor of the leader are permitted a far greater latitude of activity than those who do do not. The definition of "abusive" becomes all too fluid and arbitrary.

Finally, I would point out that, given DS's very long history of simply not reponsing to communication efforts from participants, appealing such an arbitrary use of CL power would be all but impossible. In short, there would be no one to appeal to.

So again, I say, Who watches the watchers?

Again Jerry , very well put.
Maybe if everyone pulls a D.S. on it ,and just doesn't respond with an application , then it all will be a mute point.


Robin

Please read and consider crosspost:
"Leaders and Group Dynamics"

I my 19 moths since GBS I have seen the ebb and flow of this board and it always seems to stay afloat. There has never been a leader or group of people who control what is discussed. It is free flowing and the best advice I have seen is to take what you want from the discussions and ignore what you dont care for.

I am in favor the like option :)

- Rath

Jerry, a "leaderless" support group may not have the official title, but someone must facilitate, and often that responsibility comes down to the same people week after week, meeting after meeting. There are those people who are natural at facilitating and/or leading a group and those who would rather just follow. Someone naturally keeps the group on time, on task, and flowing. Whether they have a title or not is irrelevant. Someone starts and stops the group on time and helps keep the conversations going. This is the role of a facilitator, leader, or whatever you want to call it................


I truly don't think giving someone an official title will change the dynamics of this group..................

Laura

I vote for Lu..

ok, I know you were ALL thinking it, I just had to say it outloud!

(looked like the thread needed a laugh!)

Where is Lu?

I second JJ and Farmgirls nominations and ideas. Well said ladies.

I think long-term DS board members who get the range of voices in the group will gently and respectively be able to use fair and wise judgement should anything go awry. It happens so infrequently I can't honestly see this being a huge role.

I have faith and trust that they will make the board a better place.

I see a LOT of repetition in postings and perhaps they could help with that.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the end.

I think repetition in posts is a good thing. People coming on board are in need of that info, and after some time a reminder for us oldies is also good. This is a big group and occassion throw backs to info allows for newer people, and/or folks who didn't see it prior to comment and learn.

As for the leader piece. Laurarn it makes sense that there are natural leaders that start converstaions and keep things going. All I'm saying is I think in this group we have a great number of natural leaders, and to have just one or two who are "appointed" to be the leaders would discourage those who would normally step up and take a leadership role.
With alot of us, part of the weight loss and healthier life changes is also coming out of our shell. I think the opportunity to express freely and the want to encourage others is part of the process that helps us be good losers.
Where i'm not against CL's in most situations I do firmly believe that its the fact that each one of us takes that role here at one point or another, through this journey is what keeps this group going the way it is.

Thanks for the vote Hope. But I agree...I have WAY too much on my plate to even think of being a CL anywhere....LOL
Karla

Hi folks,

As I mentioned in the original message, abuse and such is rare in this group. We already have Community Leaders in several other groups and their role isn't to monitor or babysit members or posts. Granted, CLs do have the power to close discussion posts, but that's only used for when obvious spammers and trolls come on the board, or maybe if there's an extreme attack on another member.

In short, the CL role isn't a rule enforcement position. They're on the site for a number of reasons, such as to help greet new members and show them the ropes, relay important information about events on the site to members, alert other members/DS if something's not working right on the site, etc.

They're on the site for a number of reasons, such as to help greet new members and show them the ropes,

^^^^ THIS^^^^ is why i think we Shouldn't have a CL...not because of the policing piece. I think its GOOD FOR US to each greet and introduce new members and show them the ropes, its part of our process as losers, to come out of our once obese bodies and into the community as a leader....to take those first steps into the spotlight that we so long have hidden. To share that info that we learned and have become confident with.
I think its important for us each to take that role in time, once we have learned the ropes from the ones before. but thats just my two cents.

I think this is a CYA, in case something goes wrong. I believe there should be a bariatric professional for more involved cases, which involve emotional and physical illness that is beyond the level of a support group. There have been several times that I have seen folks with serious need for immediate intervention. That would be the responsibility of a CL, whether stated or not, and I think it could be legally thorny. VSG {:-}

Thank you to all who have nominated me and sent me messages regarding this position. I didn't see it as a negative thing, but cannot commit to being responsible in this role.

There are times when I cannot get on as frequently as I would like and have a pretty hectic life with my kids in the winter months.

Thanks for having the confidence in me - your kindness is so appreciated.

xoxox Chris

Seems many have already stated that there doesn't seem to be a need for a community leader. I agree...why? I have been involved with this site for over two years now. At various times folks have stepped up, and seem to be the positive voice and the encourager that brings us all back. Yes, at the same time, there can be those who want to "take charge" and direct things....with less success.

I would wonder about the "face" of this group I've come to love, if someone is placed in charge, so to speak.

While I'm sure there are many who would make fine group leaders, I hope you will reconsider the need and possible ill affects of implementing this idea.