Group Policies and Goals

General Policies

The following policies must be followed by all growth and accountability groups who wish to be affiliated with Evergreen International.

• You must support the Evergreen Mission Statement and have a sincere desire to change. Click here to read the mission statement.

• You must have an advisor who meets with the group during the weekly meetings, who does not deal with SSA issues in his/her life. Click here to see the requirements.

• Groups must have at least two members that who are strugglers in order to be considered a functioning affiliate group.

• Affiliate groups must hold their meetings in a safe and confidential place.

• You must have admission procedures in place that will insure confidentiality. Group members must honor the anonymity and confidentiality of group members whenever and wherever they meet. Click here for more ideas about confidentiality.

• You must have appropriate admission procedures in place. Click here for more information.

• You must have written goals and rules of conduct for your group. One of the rules must require that if members engage in inappropriate behavior with other members of the group, and they do not discontinue the behavior, they cannot remain members of the group. (See below for ideas about group policies and rules.)

• Participants must honor the anonymity and confidentiality of group members whenever and wherever they meet.

• Affiliate groups must maintain regular contact with Evergreen International (via e-mail, phone or letter) in order to maintain their affiliate status.

• Evergreen does not endorse mixed-gender groups for strugglers. Separate groups must be organized for men and women.

• Participants must be at least 18 years old.

• Group participants may not represent Evergreen International when communicating with the media, counselors, or Church leaders, or when speaking publicly without first receiving the express approval of the Executive Director. All public relations are handled by staff under the direction of the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees. Participants may tell others that they attend Evergreen meetings and discuss their own experiences if they wish to do so, but they should never represent their viewpoints or attitudes as being representative of other participants or of Evergreen as a whole.

Goals, Policies, and Rules Specific to Each Group

In addition to the general policies above, each group should set goals, policies, and rules of conduct applicable to their situation. It is important that each group have written rules that are understood and adhered to by all group members. This is essential for the sake of each person's progress and for the safety and unity of the group. The following are examples from some groups you may wish to consider as you develop rules for your group.

South Salt Lake Affiliate Group 

Our group can only work well when participants are committed to the process.

Participants must:

• Have read at least one book that says change is possible.

• Have a personal hope that change is possible and be willing to work toward change.

• Agree to confidentiality of others who participate in group activities. Confidentiality must be maintained, even if you decide to withdraw from the group.

• Agree that the group will be a safe place by guarding your behavior and actions.

This group has been created to assist people who are dedicated to restoring sexual integrity and diminishing same-sex attractions. Group lessons and discussions will be centered on learning tools used to diminish homosexual activity and meeting legitimate same-sex needs to decrease erotic same-sex attractions. God or a higher power may be emphasized, as many who have made considerable progress in experiencing change have attested to the belief that faith in God enhances their process.

Group meetings will be conducted according to the following schedule:

7:00 - 7:15     Announcements, Opening Song, Prayer

7:15 - 7:45     Lesson

7:45 - 9:15     Discussion Groups

9:15 - 9:45     Refreshments

The schedule will be adhered to diligently. Group meetings will start on time; however, members should not feel that they are unwelcome if they are late. Should a group member need to arrive late or leave early, they are encouraged to attend for as long as possible.

Persons interested in joining the group who meet the above qualifications are welcome, but they must first meet with a member of the South Salt Lake group leadership to determine readiness.  Interested individuals should call to arrange for an interview.

PERSONAL COMMITMENTS

1. High priority - I will make healing from homosexuality and growing into full maturity a high priority in my life.

2. Attendance - I will make a good faith effort to attend weekly meetings. I will call a fellow group member to let them know if I will not be attending.

3. Honesty - I am willing, open, honest, and will cleanly share growth and healing with my fellow group members.

4. Confidentiality - I honor the anonymity and confidentiality of my group members whenever and wherever we meet.

5. “On-Call” - I am on call 24 hours a day for my group member’s support.

6. Accountability - I am accountable for my thoughts, words and deeds and bring the commitment to stand accountable to my fellow group members.

7. Proactive in healing - I make these goals in the area of growth I am seeking and share these goals with those who support me and to whom I am accountable.
    

Ogden Affiliate Evergreen Group

Code of Conduct

1. Group members must support the Evergreen Mission Statement and have a sincere desire to change and make a specific commitment to adhere to this code of conduct.
2. Confidentiality is essential. Never assume that others know about a member’s SSA.
3. Membership lists will be kept in strict confidence by the Group Leadership and the Advisor.
4.  Keep identities anonymous especially with those outside the group. What we say here stays here. Our meeting time and place is confidential and should only be given by Group Leaders after an individual suffering from SSA has committed to live this code. Non-SSA guests should be cleared with the Group Leader before attendance.
5. The Ogden Affiliate Group must be a place of safety. In your dealings with other members of this group or any Evergreen contacts, the following activities will not be tolerated: swearing, flirting, intentional portrayal of yourself (or others) as "gay," promoting alternative philosophical or political views that do not conform to the mission statement, or any sexual relations with other group members.
6. While frank and open discussion is encouraged specifics should be avoided regarding: cruising spots; pornography & its availability; details of sexual relations or acts–either solo, with other individuals, or even in your marriage, nor any other specifics that may trigger a fellow group member. Too many details can cause others to visualize these events, while talking in generalities can help others avoid any new inappropriate thoughts.
7. Weekly attendance at the Group meeting is required to maintain consistency and commitment. You must notify the Group Leadership if you will be absent with a reason why. Unreported absence for two or more weeks will require a re-entry interview with a current leader or advisor to review your commitment to this code.
8. Potential group members must demonstrate their commitment to change by educating themselves through a book or some other means before entering the mini-groups.

Sample Group Commitment Statement

Commitments I make to myself and my group, upon entering the program:

1. I agree to live by the following personal commitments and commit them to my group.

• I am a son of God and I believe that I can be free from the same-sex attraction.
• I accept the challenge before me and commit to openly, honestly and cleanly share my growth and progress with my group.
• I understand that my growth depends on my commitment and effort and that my brother’s growth depends on his commitment and effort.
• I understand that same-sex needs must be met in appropriate non-sexual ways.
• I will maintain proper standards of speech and behavior and an inner attitude of healing with my brothers in the group, whenever and wherever we meet.
• I will give my group high priority in my life. I will be "on call" for my brother’s support.
• I will always honor the anonymity and confidentiality of my brothers.
• I am ready to take the next steps toward total freedom from same-sex attraction.

2. I commit one year to my group (or until I have grown past the needs for a group). I will make a good-faith effort to attend each weekly meeting.
3. I pledge a yearly commitment of $100 to my group to finance our group activities and support the efforts of Evergreen International.

We have been at the crossroads together. We’ve chosen the better way. Now let’s take the next steps together.
 

Additional policies:

• Participants are strongly encouraged to take part in outside activities and organizations that will involve them with heterosexual persons of the same gender. These activities can be extremely beneficial.
• Individual participants should not sponsor therapy, discussion, or support groups that involve other participants. Nor should they sponsor social activities, retreats, or outings that primarily involve other participants.

Rules of Participation

• Always show civility and respect for other group members.
• Do not use profanity or describe sexual activity or anatomy in graphic detail.
• Do not mention trouble spots by name. Do not describe them in a way that would facilitate other members finding them.
• Keep all conversations in the group confidential. Do not discuss what members talk about outside the meeting.
• We do not confess by proxy, or in other words, we do not call the individual's bishop or stake president and report their activities. Confession is the sole responsibility of the individual for himself.
• While it is not expected that only men who are not acting out will attend, sexual involvement or enmeshment with other members of the group is to be avoided and will jeopardize membership in the group.
• Do not speak as an authority. Speak of things as how they have worked for you.
• Continuing membership in the group requires regular attendance. To maintain your status as a current member, make every effort to attend every meeting except where family and work priorities are concerned. Group members missing a series of meetings will be put on "former member" status and must be interviewed by a committee member before returning to group.
• Members leaving the group due to issues with other members will be expected to discuss and resolve those issues upon returning.
• During socializing times, be aware of those who may be feeling isolated. Avoid cliquish behavior.