Almost every group problem I get asked about boils down to this:
- Someone behaving inappropriately (aggressive, no sexual boundaries, controlling)
- An almighty ding-dong about a WhatsApp group.
So, here's the simple deal:
Re inappropriate behaviour
- Have a group conscience
- Formulate a blurb to read out ('at this group we share only about ourselves and respect others' boundaries; we do not act or speak aggressively or give unwanted sexual attention to others')
- Empower the group secretary / chair to remind / warn an individual who causes trouble
- Back up the group secretary / chair if there is argy-bargy
- Consider temporary barring if the person continues to be disruptive or unsettling
- Remember: You're not barring the person from the fellowship, only temporarily from a meeting
Re WhatsApp groups
- If you must have one, have one
- If it's for group business only, stick to notifications, reminders, information provision, and information gathering
- BUT DEFER ALL DISCUSSIONS AND EXPRESSIONS OF VIEWS TO A BUSINESS MEETING / GROUP CONSCIENCE MEETING WHERE YOU CAN ALL SEE EACH OTHER FACE-TO-FACE, IN PERSON OR ONLINE, WITH AN AGENDA AND RULES OF PROCEDURES
- If it's for sharing, just like a meeting: one share a day per person, no discussion, crosstalk, etc.
The above solves almost every current problem.