1) Sharing – Time Allocation:
Up to now, each person, when recognized by the moderator, could talk as long as he/she wished, and each person could share several times.  Starting in January, we will experiment with a new format.  Each person will still be able to share several times, but each individual share will be allowed a maximum of 6 minutes.  The moderator will give a warning at 4 minutes, and another at 5.  Of course, the person sharing may stop before 6 minutes if he/she wishes.  (We anticipate that New Landscape will grow, and this new format will accommodate a larger membership.)

2) Writing Project:
Last month, we agreed that the Writing Project would no longer contain lengthy abstracts of the sharing portion of the meeting.  This was in the interest of maintaining safety and boundaries.  This month, we discussed feedback from therapists who found the sharing abstracts helpful in understanding dissociative clients and requested that we continue them-with the proviso that anyone who didn’t want their shares abstracted could say so.  The group reaffirmed its decision that we are a support group, not an education group, and that we should err on the side of providing a feeling of safety to all members.  We will not abstract anyone’s share, but we will continue to include a list of the topics discussed during the sharing portion of the meeting.  

3) New Member Pamphlet:
We looked at the sample new-member pamphlet prepared by one of the members.  It is attractive and includes all the items specified at last month’s meeting.  Two of the members will fine-tune it during the coming month and present it at the January meeting.  

4) Changing the term “almost-better” to something else:
It was felt that some people might be deterred from attending New Landscape meetings because they don’t think they fit the term “almost-better.”  To address that, we discussed re-defining “almost-better.”  In the discussion, it came out that the definition as it stands is OK, but it is the term itself that is problematic and should be changed.  Some suggestions were “old-timers,” and “people in recovery.”  It was agreed that we would decide on a new term at the January meeting, but leave the rest of the definition intact.  As it now stands, the definition is:

• An almost-better is fairly well along in the healing process (not someone who is newly diagnosed and unable to cope with ups and downs).  
• An almost-better may still have a dissociative system, but he/she has a framework for understanding it.  
• An almost-better may still have occasional abreactions and crises, but he/she has a support system and an ability to cope with them outside the group.  

If you are not sure you fit the definition, you’re welcome to come to the meeting and give it a try.  

5) Flyer for posting in places like clinics: 
We looked at the draft flyer prepared by one of the members.  We would like to post it in places like clinics, where therapists could pass it along to anyone they think might be appropriate for New Landscape.  It was suggested that the flyer have tear-off strips on the bottom with contact information.  A revised flyer will be presented to the group next month.

1) Writing Project: 
It was agreed that the Writing Project would no longer contain lengthy abstracts of the sharing portion of the meeting.  It will only contain a list of topics discussed.  The reasons for this are: Though many people, both those who come to meetings and those who don’t, get a lot out of reading the lengthy abstracts, they cause some people to feel unsafe sharing.  In the interest of maintaining safety and boundaries, only a brief list topics discussed will be posted in the Writing Project.  The Writing Project is still open to anyone who wants to send in a written “share,” both people who come to meetings and people who don’t.  

2) New Member Pamphlet:
We are in the process of putting together a pamphlet for new members.  It will include:

•     What New Landscape is
•     Definition of almost-better 
•     What New Landscape does to maintain safety.  
•     What to expect at meetings.  
•     What members get out of meetings.  
•     FAQ’s.  
•     Writing Project.  

One of the members will put together a draft, which we will look at the next meeting.  

3) Meeting format:
Currently, sharing is from 10:00 – 11:30, and a “business-meeting” is from 11:30 – 12:00.  At some point in the future, we might cut down the business meeting to 15 minutes or eliminate it altogether, to allow more time for sharing.  But for now, as the group is still evolving and defining itself, we will  keep the 11:30 – 12:00 time frame.  (People said they liked participating in the shaping of the group.)  

4) Miscellaneous:
The guidelines state that there is no cross-talk or feedback, and no commenting on what someone else has shared.  The group agreed that these guidelines foster a feeling of safety and we should keep them.  However, in the interest of acknowledging someone who has just shared, so that person doesn’t feel invisible, it is appropriate to say something like “Thank you.”  

5) One-Year Anniversary:
It was noted that New Landscape started in November of 2004.  This was our one-year anniversary.

1) Reaching out to new members.  

2) New Member Welcome Packet: 
The welcome packet will include information about the group, FAQ’s, Writing Project, guidelines, a reminder to “look at the give-away table,” etc.  We hope to have a sample packet for discussion at the November meeting.  We need two versions: one to hand to people who show up at the meeting, and one to be emailed or snail-mailed to people who make inquiries.  

3) Phone Outreach Guidelines/Boundaries (if a new person wants to talk to a group member before coming):
The group member will call the new person (we will not give out the group member’s phone number).  We will develop a sheet of talking points for the group member.  These will include: a) Finding out whether the person is looking for a support group for DID/MPD.  b) Clearly presenting what’s here and letting the person decide for him/herself whether New Landscape is right for him/her (do not actively recruit).  To be further discussed at the November meeting.  

4) Flyer:
We will develop a flyer to be posted on bulletin boards at clinics, etc.  It will include contact info, but no meeting location.  

5) Sidran:
We filled out an online form with Sidran to list New Landscape in their support group list.  (It is already listed with “Many Voices.”)  

6) Education function of the group:
As the ISSD (International Society for the Study of Dissociation) now has a New York component (it began meeting this summer), New Landscape does not have to concern itself with “educating” and can just be a support group.  

7) Definition of “Almost-Better”:
To be re-visited at the November meeting.

1) Guests at meetings (requests from therapists to attend/observe):
The group reaffirmed its policy of not having therapists come to the meetings to say hello/observe.  (Therapists who are recovering from a dissociative disorder are welcome at the meetings.)  The sharing/support component of the meeting is what is most important to the members.  Even if the guests sat in the back and didn’t speak, it would affect the way you share–you might still say the same things, but you find yourself rearranging; you’re removed, translating the feelings into intellectualizations.  When there are no guests, you can be who you are.  

2) Education:
The group agreed that it was important to educate therapists about DID/MPD.  There are ways of doing this without having therapists observe the meetings.  The Writing Project, which is distributed to therapists as well as members, is one way.  We will discuss the education function further at the October meeting.  

3) Definition of Almost-Better:
The FAQ’s include a definition of “almost-better.”  Some people who might want to come to meetings may stay away because they’re not sure they fit the definition.  It was suggested that we leave the wording of the definition as is, but add something to the effect that if you’re not sure, come and give it a try.  

4) Membership: Reaching out to new members:
Maybe start a committee, or just a list of members who would be available to talk with prospective new members who have questions before they come.  Before we set this in motion, we need to discuss it further–what are the parameters, boundaries, etc.  New-member welcome packet:  We will develop a packet to mail out and/or have on the give-away table at meetings.  It will include: something about the group; FAQ’s; past issues of the Writing Project; meeting guidelines; other things to be decided.