Ok. So I've been thinking about this and what I'd like to do -- to start off -- is schedule two meetings a week to start off with. This will help those that cannot attend one (due to timezones) perhaps be able to attend others. So I offer these as options:
Mondays: 9pm EDT (this means 8pm CDT/7pm MDT/6pm PDT)
Saturdays: 10pm EDT (this means 9pm CDT/8pm MDT/7pm PDT)
I choose the Saturday because there are a couple of Aussie guys who contacted me and this would work out to 10am Sunday their time.
Later, I'd like to offer a voice-conference option once a month. This requires a bit of coordination and further instructions on how to use something like Skype (free online phone options).
Also, a few rules (if you have others to add please add them to this thread). I'm including the ones that were common when I participated in the NYC Gender Identity Projects support groups. I found them to be effective as guidelines:
1. What is said the in the support group, stays in the support group.
2. Speak from the "I/me".
3. Step up, step back (if you've talked a lot, step back to let others speak; if you haven't said alot, step up and speak)
4. Before changing a topic ask first.
5. Remember that not all discussions require feedback. Sometimes people just want to rant. Ask first if someone wants feedback about something. And if you are talking, indicate if it's a rant or want feedback
6. Try to be on time. Coming in late can disrupt if someone is talking about something.
Add others as you feel would help. If you have questions/concerns, do not hesitate to contact me or post them here. If you have topics for discussion, please forward them to me and I'll add them to my "magic bag" (if we run out of discussions, I'll yank one out and start a discussion on that
)
ETA: PM me for the password. This will only be sent to FTMs/male-identified butches. This will not be sent to SOFFAs/Allies.