Document 2456
 DOCN  M94A2456
 TI    Structuring process of self-help groups in Colombia.
 DT    9412
 AU    Rubio S; Fundacion Proyecto Vida, Cali, Colombia.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):30 (abstract no. 094D). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370119
 AB    In order to facilitate the structuring process of self-help groups two
       national meetings have been held. The main objective of the first one
       held in 1992 was to define and characterize what self-help groups were
       about, establishing differences between them and NGO's. It was concluded
       that the purpose of self-help groups is to offer and space to clarify
       personal conflicts and anxieties because of the impact of facing the HIV
       diagnosis. In view of this, it was agreed that a maximum of twenty
       members should conform a group, being each group led by a person who has
       elaborated his/her experience of being HIV positive and has leader
       features. It was also said that to maintain continuity of the process
       weekly meetings should be organized. As far as the groups inner
       organization was concerned, it was agreed that they do not need to have
       a formal or legal structure because their function is chiefly centred in
       the groups inner process not outside them as in NGO's case. The theme of
       the Second National Meeting was Crisis, Conflict and Change within the
       groups. It was pointed out that although the twenty self-help groups
       presently conformed in the country fulfill the members expectations,
       problems in lack of communication commitment and technical skills to
       handle the individual and group dynamics were observed as typical. These
       situations were sometimes perceived as personal conflicts amongst the
       members deviating the groups purpose and splitting them up.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY  Colombia  Group
       Processes  Human  Self-Help Groups/*ORGANIZATION & ADMIN  *Social
       Support  Voluntary Health Agencies  MEETING ABSTRACT

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