Picking a convenient time for meetings will be crucial for a successful group. The time and day of the week chosen will be dependent upon the audience. Many support groups are held in the evenings because members must attend school or work during the day. The San Diego Crohn's and Colitis Society have their meetings on Saturday mornings because many members are too tired to attend an evening meeting.

     The next important choice will be the location of the meeting. Some groups meet in members' homes, with each member taking their turn. Larger groups may need to be held at a local hospital, school, college, community center, or library.

     Once the time and place are chosen, advertising the meeting locally will be important to gather members. Groups may advertise in a variety of ways including newspaper classifieds, local hospitals and libraries, and even through doctor's offices.

     How often the group meets is a decision that may involve the members of the group. Many groups opt for a meeting once a month for ease of scheduling (the first Tuesday of each month, for example). Some groups may decide to meet more or less often depending on the emotional and practical needs of the members. The most important part is to decide on a schedule and stick to it for the benefit of all members.

     The context of each meeting will also need the input of the members. Will each meeting have a particular discussion topic? Should there be guest speakers? Should family members attend, or should there be another group for them? The ultimate goal is to create a safe place for people with gastrointestinal disorders to share their experiences openly.

     The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has many local chapters will support groups that meet on a regular basis across the country. If there is no local IBD support group in your area, they are the first organization to contact. The CCFA has extensive experience and are the best people to offer guidance on starting a new group. For IBD groups in other countries, please see the list of International IBD Organizations.

     For support groups for IBS sufferers in the USA, Canada and the UK, contact the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Self Help Group. They will put the date and location of the meeting in their master list.