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What is a Focus Group? In a nutshell a "Focus Group" is a group of people who gather together to discuss a wide variety of issues and topics, ranging from crop circles, UFO's, ecology issues, the list is almost endless. But the primary goal of the group is that it should be an open forum for discussion about topics that impact those seeking the path of the spiritual warrior. We have 2 groups currently running in our area, one group meets in Warminster, Wiltshire on a Wednesday evening at 7.00pm and runs for 2 hours, the other group meets in Trowbridge and follows the same time format as the Warminster group. Normally we start the meeting with a group preamble, that is followed by a 5 minute meditation and then a member of the group will discuss a topic that they feel has some relevance or interest to the other members, after this the floor will be open to all the other participants. At the end of the first hour there is a short break, the second hour is 'open mike' time when anyone can feel free to talk about whatever they want, normally we find that the initial topic will be discussed in more detail, finally we finish with another quick meditation that culminates in us all joining hands which everyone agrees is very uplifting to all the group. We would like to know of anyone else that is hosting such focus groups, be they in the UK or elsewhere in the world, please feel to share with us your experiences as we would love to hear news from others, thanks. Forming your own Focus Group. Below are a few tips and suggestions that can be used to set up and run a group. Remember that the most important qualities of these groups are no Guru's, no rules, no affiliation, and no profit! Love is all you need. A Focus Group ought to be totally and absolutely non-restrictive, a person is a member when they say they are. There should be no 'conditions' of memebership. All source material and views are equally valid, so long as they never become exclusive - to exclude implies that our beliefs about reality are facts of reality, and that everything else must be made to fit in with those 'facts' We have found that an ideal number for a Group is around 12, too far beyond that and you may find that new members will not have adequate time to contribute. The first few meetings may seem hectic and cluttered but that's just humans flexing their egos! it all calms down...believe me. A display of books and audio (available for lending) will be of greats assistance to all members, most people attending these meetings will have a few books that can be temporarily donated to the new libarary. As group funds grow then these books/audio can be replaced with communal owned material. A librarian who keeps a list of books lent is advisable. A nominal charge (to go into the pot) is also a good idea; it boosts the pot and encourages prompt return. A set donation to the pot seems to work best, we do not desire profit but we do aim for a surplus in order to increase our libararuy material and further the aims of the Group(s). At the time of writing, and of course depending upon the running costs of the Group due to differing rents etc, £3.00 per meeting seems to work well enough. There ought never to be an obligation to contribute, and no one should ever be excluded use to a lack of funds. We feel initially a facilitator or 'ringmaster' may be necessary, but only as a very short term measure, not as a boss or 'chair' but someone who helps the Group to stabilize during its infancyand ensures that everyone has an equal say; the facilitator would have the responsibility of ensuring that the meeting room is opened and set up, that any rent is paid on time, and that there is some form of presentation for the Group in the case of absence. All positions to be agreed by the Group and rotated on a very regular and pre-agreed basis. Remember - NO GURUS! Once the Group has become established the need for the facilitator will vanish and it is important that the Group takes full responsibility for itself as quickly as possible by rotating the 'chair' weekly i.e. a different Group member chairs the meeting and makes the opening presentation each week. The principle should be followed in the event of multiple Groups needing to meet up in order to maintain our common purpose i.e. all will be welcome with nobody 'representing' a group. Any chairing of multiple Group meetings would be rotated at each meeting - No Bosses or structure, and no perceived ladder to climb, above all it should be fun, so laugh a lot! Words to ponder. "The day will come when,
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