NETWORKING MORE PRACTICAL THAN SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

In the 1990's, we had established support group meetings in various states. We had members from CT, FL, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA and RI running meetings in these states. Some took off well and continued for a few years while others fizzled out.

Why were some successful in having monthly meetings while others weren't? Not only have we seen this with our own meetings but have seen this occur with many throughout the United States. Our experience has shown it comes down to having the time to commit

Running meetings can be time consuming and for the parents who have their hands full with their children, it can be very challenging. Rather than to continue to establish new sites for meetings, we decided to go back to what we originally set out to do and that was networking families.

Now, whenever we have a new member or family who is looking for meetings or looking to talk with another parent, we provide them with contact information of several members living closest to them. Once they receive that information, they can phone that parent and set up their own little meeting and sit down and talk. They no longer have to wait for a scheduled meeting!

Our organization has over 1,700 members. At one time, the only members we did have were those here on the East Coast but now we have a membership throughout the United States!

So why not use our network of many in providing support to the new families facing the same questions and feelings we had when we learned of our child's heart defect!

SUGGESTIONS ON HOW YOU CAN BRING AWARENESS TO THE #1 BIRTH DEFECT

February 14th is declared by many states as "CHD Awareness Day". This gives us parents an excellent opportunity in bringing awareness to the #1 birth defect. Do it in February or year round!

We have flyers and promotional items to help you. Feel free to print off the Little Hearts Flyer for your pediatric cardiologists office or our School Loose Change fundraiser flyer, or our CHD Awareness Flyer or our CHD Fact Sheet for a display.

If your Pediatric Cardiologist isn't aware of our organization, contact us with their mailing information and we'll send them a supply of our brochures and flyers.

If you'd like to bring awareness into your child's school, ask to hold a penny fundraiser the week of the 14th.

If you'd like to share your child's story, contact your local newspaper. Provide them with our CHD FACTS sheet and our contact information so their readers can find us for support.

Do you have children's videos or toys not being used? Donate them to Children's Hospitals. Contact us for labels.

CHD Day can be whatever you'd like it to be! Do whatever works for you. The above suggestions are just a few that members have done and have been successful. Read in our October 2007 newsletter what members did for February 14, 2007!

Bring awareness year round with our wristbands, awareness t-shirts, window clings are more. Visit our online store for more ideas.