We need a philanthropist to change public attitudes. ****EEEase into caregiving*****

If you have been a caregiver, you are the voice of experience. If you are new to caregiving and feel unsupported and alone in this strange role, take heart. You are not alone but you may have to change. There are existing support mechanisms to plug into. Perhaps you will need to modify a definition of support or seek out others who relate to your unique condition. It can be done and it will be rewarding. Break the ice (****ITN--Icebreakers*****) and good luck.

• How should organizations view MLBerg's Caregiver blog and the ITN program? 

 V V V  ..... START AN ITN GROUP .....  V V V

The latest ****ITN Instructions - Program files***** (1 Agenda, 2 Presenter Notes, 3 Facilitator Notes, 4 Program Coordinator Notes) are downloadable and free. in general men don't know how to seek or accept support. We continue to develop the ITN Men's Caregiver Support Group Program, refining it and making custom resources available online that exploit our successes. We can work together and collaborate to achieve a shared language of hope.

Please consider tapping into Caregiver resources (pdf files found on link above) and coordinate ITN startup groups. Promote formation of Men's Caregiver Support Groups. It's not an A B C solution but then neither is the problem. Coaching for a Do-it-yourself program may not be optimum but it might be enough to get through a "better than nothing" scenario.

Revised ITN Start-up files (simplified guides useful for coordinating introductory meetings between caregivers) will be posted here. The idea is to increase understanding of what works for you and share concepts which are then translated into instructions so others receive support and become part of the effort.

A. PLANNING is not an option for the desperate. It takes PLANNING to accomplish all things ITN. B. Support Groups are for people whose confidence is misplaced. Support Groups are for people with failed hope. Support Groups are for people of broken faith. C. Each of us has perception challenges to overcome: Are Support Groups for Losers? Does a partial explanation justify observers to not presume the heart is in the right place?  Let's try it again.

A. Plan to change. B. Support people willing to try caregiving. C. We make choices.

• What is accomplished with a structured format? ****ITN in a nutshell***** 
• Why take a "Man-to-Man" approach? ****ITN Overview*****
  

When should an ITN meeting take place? If you are going to host open forums, where will they be held? How do newcomers join the group? Where do you find resources when you're a caregiver? All good questions.