Thank you for your interest in being a Support Group Leader for your area. We need people such as you who are willing to give their time to help others. Please review the following requirements, complete your application and return to the NAAF office. NAAF's Support Director will then interview you.
A. Be free of any conflict of interest and provide a completed "Conflict of Interest" form each year. If you are employed by a charitable organization or a for profit business selling or providing services to people with alopecia areata, you may have a conflict that would prevent you from serving as a Support Group Leader.
B. Have a phone number with voicemail or answering machine where people can leave messages that you can retrieve and respond within 48 hours. People who call are likely hurting and looking for answers.
C. Donate to NAAF in any amount that you are able; this will ensure you receive the NAAF newsletter. Please share the NAAF newsletter with your group.
D.Inform the NAAF office of any change in your name, address or telephone number immediately.
E. Host at least 4 meetings per year. Please inform the NAAF office at least two weeks in advance of meeting dates (the earlier the better so we can get the word out), time and locations along with a telephone number or email for confirmation. If any changes are expected, please notify NAAF as soon as possible so we may print and post the correct meeting information.
F. Annually provide NAAF with a list of people-including contact information-with whom you are in touch about the support group you lead on behalf of NAAF.
G. Utilize the NAAF name only in alignment with this Criteria and the goals listed in the Statement of Understanding. Your signature on this application signifies agreement.
H. Treat all people connected with the NAAF support group with respect. Establishing respectful behavior creates an environment of trust and safety. Respectful behavior includes allowing one person at a time to speak, using appropriate language and tone of voice, accepting differences and treating each other with kindness in person and through electronic communications.
I. Prominently identify NAAF on any online presence-including websites, Facebook, homepages or postings. Focus on specific factual information about your support group. Should you decide to maintain a Facebook page; or other social media presence please refer to the Social Media Guidelines in the "Social Media/Facebook for Support Groups" form included in this application.
J. Find a local Medical Advisor to serve as a resource for you as the support group leader should medical questions come up that cannot be answered within the group. The medical advisor is not required to attend meetings but are welcome to do so if they choose.
K. Maintain confidentiality of support group meetings - what happens in the group stays in the group. The support group is a forum for sharing. Participants are sharing their personal lives and feelings and all meetings should be confidential unless explicitly agreed as otherwise by all attendees for that particular meeting.
L. Keep a contact list of all attendees with contact information. Send to NAAF Support & Education Director upon request.
M. Listen and connect individuals with this disease and those who care about them.
N. Provide up to date information and a forum to share personal experiences. Sometimes this is enough relieve someone from despair. There are times, however, when you may feel that a person needs professional help. If this happens please refer him/her to the NAAF office or a qualified Mental Health Professional in your area.
By signing this Criteria for Support Group Leaders document, the SGL acknowledges that she or he understands and meets or agrees to follow the criteria as stated in this document. The use of NAAF's name is permitted only after the applicant signs this document and is approved in writing as a Support Group Leader.