Compass started in 1999 as a reconfiguration of a group that had been meeting in the Boston area for several years. We chose the name Compass because it suggests that the group can help each member navigate their course and follow their true direction. We also liked that it's part of the words "encompass" and "compassion." Here are some things you should know about the group:
We want this to be a safe space for everyone who attends. It's okay for people to give friends and family general information about what is said in Compass meetings, but identifying information about other members should not be shared outside the group.
The group is run informally by the folks who attend. We have one regular facilitator, but anyone can volunteer to facilitate a meeting once they are familiar enough with how the group works. The number of people each month usually ranges from about 10-25.
Each meeting begins with introductions, welcoming new members, and announcements, and then we open it up to discussion for the rest of the meeting. The topic is just a jumping-off point, and we may or may not wind up discussing it at all; we talk about whatever people want to talk about. Usually we hang out informally after the meeting to socialize. Every meeting is different in terms of who's there, what's discussed, the energy levels in the room, etc., so we encourage you to come to at least three meetings before deciding whether or not Compass is for you.
We are all here because we need something: an end to isolation, a sense of belonging, emotional support, friends, and laughter, as well as information and referrals to other resources. You can find all these things in the group.
That said, Compass is not a professional therapy group and is not meant to be a replacement for therapy. We're all working on managing our own lives. You won't find all your answers here, and you won't be able to solve other people's problems either. But Compass is a place to listen and be listened to.
Please remember that Compass is a growing, changing, evolving group, just as each member within it is growing, changing and evolving, and it is made up of people from diverse backgrounds. You may not like everyone in the room, you may feel that you have nothing in common with anyone here, or you may be surprised by how much you have in common with some of us. Be willing to listen respectfully to others, and it will be reciprocated. Avoid judging, disparaging, or taking sides. Speak from your own experience, keep an open mind, admit when you make a mistake, and maintain your sense of humor.