Q: My Forum has been together for a little over a year. It’s a great experience for the members, but some of our spouses are pretty unhappy about how much time and energy Forum requires. Do you have any creative ideas for us to involve our spouses and kids that will help them get a better sense of how important and valuable Forum is to us?
– Rob V.
A: I love this question because it shows that you and your Forum members are deeply dedicated to your families and the Forum experience. It’s very common for families to have a hard time understanding the time commitment (and the confidentiality) that healthy Forums require.
Here are a few ideas that I’ve seen work:
- Social get-togethers that include the kids. Once or twice per year, coordinate a picnic or other get-together for the Forum members and their families.
- Chapter Events. Pick a local Chapter Event (in addition to the annual holiday party) that Forum members and their spouses attend as couples.
- Post-Retreat vacations. Although it’s important that families aren’t involved in the actual Annual Retreat, invite your spouses and children to join you after the retreat ends. Your entire Forum and their families can spend a few days together each year.
- Keep track of important dates. Some Forums keep a calendar of each member’s birthday, plus their spouse’s birthdays, wedding dates and anniversaries, baby showers, etc. Forum members can acknowledge each special date with a phone call, text, or card, and attend the events when appropriate.
Have fun and get creative! As the bonds between your Forum members and families deepen, I think you’ll find that happiness and takeaway value will increase for everyone.
Thank you!