Ideas that make Discussion Groups a Hit!

Here are some DGL ideas from the mopleaders forum.....

One thing that really helps bond the women in the discussion groups together is getting together outside of the regualr MOPS meetings. The Discussion Group leaders can plan (with their table members) playdates or nights out at a restaurant. Their have been complaints that these are not well attended, but if several are offered throughout the year and only a few women attend, it can make a real difference. Those women who are seeking friendships desperately will often go that extra mile to be with the MOPS ladies. The other thing that comes to mind is to really train the DGL's to reach out to EVERY woman at the table and to encourage the other table members to do the same. My first year as DGTL, I did a little visual exercise in a DGL training session. It was four cartoon pictures of women. One was young and fit and trim, one looked like she just rolled out of bed, one looked very professional and put together, and one was kinda the hippie/granola mom. I showed the pictures and then asked what does a MOPS mom look like? I asked each DGL to look at the pictures and pick which one they least likely strike up a conversation with or relate to and why. After they had all given their answers, I told them that their best strategy would be to ON PURPOSE reach out to that mom. I told them that if they felt uneasy about approaching her, others may also. And if they didn't reach out to her, possibly no one would.

This year steering team made a list of all the ladies new and old and divided everyone into four categories. 1. Steering team 2. Veterans (make almost every meeting/event) 3. Regulars (member that show up frequently) 4. New MOPS moms. Then they sorted into the DG some from each list so that you have die hards mixed with newbies and each DG has at least one from steering also. It splits up some of the cliques (don't mean this in a bad way) of moms who know each other really well and spreads everyone out so that the newer mom don't get all huddled together.

I really think that the DGL is the key to success. Her role is to set the tone and to make sure every mom feels welcome and included. Sometimes this position is a little overlooked because they aren't on the core of the steering team, but this is where the moms are going to connect. It's like a small group. I remember one DGL who brought just a little something -- chocolate, a coffee mug from the dollar store -- just something that made the women feel special. Also, as time allows, they can plan off-meeting get togethers: playtime at the park or McDonalds or a ladies' night out.

Two years ago our group did a year long scavenger hunt. The moms in each discussion group really bonded together doing this. And moms love competition.

What does your group do to make your Discussion Groups special? Share your best ideas.... the first three replies will win a MOPS prize.....