1) Meeting-Procedures Kit:
At the July meeting, we discussed what would happen if “V” (the moderator) had a last-minute emergency and couldn’t come.  It was proposed that we have meeting procedure kits-signs for the door, copy of the meeting guidelines, etc.  Anyone could take one of the kits.  That way, if “V” wasn’t there by 10:00 at any meeting, anyone with a kit could moderate the meeting.  The kits were on the give-away table for the August meeting, and will be available at all future meetings.  

2) Writing Project:
It was agreed that the writing project would contain not only summaries of what was discussed in the sharing portion of the meeting, but also in the portion devoted to discussion of the group format and structure.  

3) Publicity/Membership/Outreach:
We discussed ways of getting new members.  Currently, this meeting is announced in Many Voices, and there is a mailing list of 180 people (includes therapists as well as people with DID/MPD).  We decided against advertising in other places, as we don’t want to attract voyeurs or people who are inappropriate to the meeting.  For now, we will keep doing what we are doing. We might also tell the Sidran Foundation of our existence, so if any Almost-Better calls asking for a support group, Sidran can pass along our contact information.  Some time in the fall, we will ask the people on the mailing list whether they wish to remain on the list, so we can winnow it down (to reduce costs).  We might also ask whether anyone who doesn’t come to the meetings but who likes getting the mailings would like to become a supporting member-to help keep us afloat.  [No one has to pay to attend the meetings, but each meeting costs the group about $157 ($67 postage, $40 xeroxing, envelopes, labels; $50 meeting-room rental).  “V” has been paying for this and has gotten reimbursed for some of it by donations collected at the meeting.  (The announcement at the meeting, as a paper bag is passed around, says, “We have no dues or fees, but we do have expenses.  Please give what you can. And if you can’t give, please keep coming back.  We need you more than we need your money.”  No one sees whether or not you contribute.)]  Some time in the future, when we are more established, we might consider having the Almost-Betters (any member who wishes to do so) run a beginners’ group. But that was just an idea thrown out.  It is far from becoming a reality at this time.