- Establish a consistent time and place for the group.
- Organize meetings, which includes creating an agenda and facilitating discussions.
- Promote a supportive environment.
- Inform new group participants about VeDA’s mission and resources.
- Encourage members to sign up for VeDA’s free mailing list.
- Send VeDA attendance records for each meeting (i.e. the number of people who attended).
- Address confidentiality at the start of each meeting, including a statement that all information shared within the group is confidential. VeDA recommends that support group leaders inform attendees that dangerous or abusive situations shared during support group meetings may be referred the appropriate authorities so that additional assistance can be provided (e.g. domestic abuse, suicidal confessions).
- Provide a medical disclaimer reminding attendees that the information presented during the meeting is not meant as medical advice and that they should consult with a medical professional before making changes that could impact their vestibular symptoms.
- Refrain from engaging in activities relating to the support group for personal financial gain or which otherwise would present a conflict of interest or an appearance of impropriety. Specifically, the leader agrees not to use the support groups as a vehicle for the promotion or endorsement of specific services, organizations, or products, or as a vehicle for recruiting, soliciting, or any other commercial purpose.
- Use VeDA educational materials (available for download at vestibular.org) as a primary reference. Use due diligence in researching the accuracy and validity of other materials, speakers, etc. used, with a preference for materials that are validated by a well-known and respected medical institution.
- Meetings should be held at least quarterly (minimum 4X/year), be free and open to the public - preferably in a public location such as a hospital or library, and be conducted in accordance with all the terms outlined within this agreement.
- Notify VeDA prior to any change in Support Group leadership, regardless of whether this change is anticipated to be permanent or temporary. Notify VeDA if the group permanently suspends its meetings.
- Share information about VeDA’s events, such as Balance Awareness Week and Steps-2-Balance.
- Refrain from representing VeDA in media engagements. Any requests by media should be referred to VeDA’s Development Department.
Governance
Members of the VSGN operate autonomously and without direct oversight from VeDA, its employees, officers or assignees. VeDA assumes no responsibility for the actions of support group leaders.
Indemnity
VeDA does not indemnify any local groups or their Leaders/Facilitators for actions, decisions or statements made on behalf of the local group or in statements made in representation or misrepresentation of VeDA position statements.
Conflict Resolution
Should a conflict arise within the group, it is the responsibility of the Support Group Leader or Facilitator to address said conflict or complaint in the best interest of the group. VeDA maintains no authority to mediate conflicts, nor will VeDA take a position for or against any party.
Violations of this agreement may result in termination of the agreement. The Support Group Leader/Facilitator or the Group may terminate this agreement for other reasons with 30 days written notice. Upon termination, support group leaders/facilitators will return unused items to VeDA.
Sign
By signing below, the leader/facilitator named acknowledges their consent to the above-listed conditions for operating a support group within the VSGN.
I, the undersigned, release and agree to hold harmless the Vestibular Disorders Association (“VeDA”), its directors, members, affiliates, and employees or executives of any and all liability that could be incurred as a result of my actions during the commission of my responsibilities as a VeDA Support Group Network Leader. I understand that I am engaging in activities that have a potential risk. I assume this risk and release VeDA, its directors, members, affiliates, and employees or executives of all liability with regard to any harm that I may sustain during my tenure as a VeDA Support Group Network Leader in any activity I participate in.
