I started a community women's group about 12 years ago that is still active, although my schedule doesn't allow me to attend meetings now, some of the group came to the funeral and some have been out to my store to see me.
We took turns hosting the meetings in our homes,with light refreshments and had some big potlucks for one member's 50th anniversary, for every Christmas with one of those fun steal the gift exchanges, and one for the last meeting each June before we took a break for the summer, and restarted in September. Some of us used to walk together in the neighborhood regularly and some members also meet to quilt. At each meeting we would go around the room and get an update from everyone so that no single person would monopolize the whole time.
I kicked one woman out because I just couldn't stand listening to her anymore. She was always negative, very loud and whenever she'd host, few would show up, and she even tried to get a debate going at a Christmas function about abortion. Then an Indian lady joined and she asked her, "So you worship cows?" and that was it for me. I wrote her and told her it was not the group for her. I remember one time when she was going on and on about how she would have "Slap slap slap!" the young people on the bus who dress like whores and didn't give her a seat, (she'd never married, no children) and I asked her, "What did you used to do for a living?" And she said "What do you think I did?" My guess, "prison matron" was far off the mark. She taught kindergarten. =:O I can usually find something I like about everyone and people really interest me and I love hearing stories, just not hers. I didn't take kicking her out lightly, but I wanted everyone to feel welcome and not have to defend their faith or lack thereof. So just know going in, that even though you may all have common ground, you may not end up enjoying everyone. But isn't that true of every group? See Henry in the corner thinking, does Rainy ever shut up?
At one meeting there were about 12 of us there when for some reason I announced, "You know, my dog has more personality than any 10 people I know." Luckily I couldn't be kicked out.
I think I better attend the Christmas meeting now, this has made me miss them a lot.
Good luck with your group, I know you will find the support you need now and friends for life there.

I have been searching for a group to join in my area. Anything I have attended or looked at involves either "older" widows or is a group that is about painful grieving. I am at about 9 months - and trying to find a way to live in a positive way. Your idea of a group is what I am looking for now too. It does seem that everyone is focused on the pain of survival - or has a busy life and group of friends already.

I love your idea and it is so needed. I have heard of something called 'meetups' online. As I understand it, they are for all kinds of things....related to work, playing euchre, mom groups, etc. They meet in public places so I would think a young widows group could do the same. Pls let us know how it goes. God bless.

The support groups I found, They said I was too young for one group, too old for the other??? I am 64.....I checked around to try to start a group, all the other widows around me, were not interested, or were too busy?

BOOK CLUB!

I started one in my neighborhood almost four years ago. and we now have 13 members (usually 10 or so at each get together) We meet once a month. Pot luck. Rotate houses. We all share what is going on in our lives, eat a lot, and the wine flows. We have grown really close as a group, and are there for each other...whatever the need. We don't make it mandatory to read the book, but we do say, if you are half way through we WILL talk about it, so be prepared to perhaps hear a spoiler. Some nights we don't leave til 10:30-11:00!

I knew back then that I needed to develop different support groups, expand my circle of friends...like "they" say, the best time to buy a car is when you don't need one. This group of women has been amazing and I cannot imagine not having this group in my life.

I was in a book club that met once a month at a local restaurant for breakfast. Only six of us. And everyone showed up. It was great. Very difficult to get everyone's schedules coordinated. Kids, work, etc. So we met at 7:00 am. Had coffee, breakfast, gossiped and even talked about the book! Some of us would do something together afterwards. I remember SO looking forward to being pushed out of bed early on the weekend for something so fun.

You can get one started by posting bulletins at your local library, on Craig's list, in your local paper or Pennysaver. I'd screen the people first if you get a large response. Want to make sure people "fit". I've been in a couple of groups where there were just an odd mix of personalities. They never last.

I hope you do well with this group. I had the idea to start one as well for the same reason as you. I contacted my church as a starting point but was told I probably would not get much interest as I was the only young widow in the area. I did attend one meeting of a local widow support group and they were all 50 plus and I had a new baby with me making the ladies uncomfortable.

Maggie

Meet up groups have been used by many with good results. I had a good result with hospice. Then there are religious groups for those who desire that. Also, there's no reason not to try putting out your ideas and see if you get interested responses. Wishing you the best. Sharon

I would like to start a phone support group for disabled widows or widowers unable to leave their house so any suggestions or tips will be greatly appreciated,
thanks,
Jean