Page 33 - 2017 Autumn-Winter Issue

• The Facilitator steps in when topics/comments begin • Review your Chapter newsletter which represents the
to make members feel uncomfortable. Members can Chapters’ beliefs as well as TCF’s as a whole.
share their own beliefs, but the meeting is not a forum to
persuade others. • Ensure that all publicity welcomes bereaved parents,
grandparents and siblings, rather than just bereaved
• Comments such as “You need to trust in the Lord”, must parents. Meeting the needs of a diverse population starts
be met with “I’m glad your faith has been a comfort to with having a warm and inclusive environment for all
you. It is important that everyone finds what will be who attend.
most helpful to them in coping with their loss”.
As an organization, officials of chapters, and representatives
• Review your Chapter leadership customs and of the umbrella organization, we must walk a fine line to
discontinue any that suggest that TCF has a religious make sure ALL members feel the love and warmth of a
affiliation. Examples of customs/practices that should caring environment no matter what their religious, racial
NOT be included in any Chapter meetings, newsletters or ethnic background, economic circumstances or beliefs
or special activities, etc. might be. Maintaining this sensitivity is hard to do. It’s easy
to do what’s comfortable and natural for the majority; but
• Prayers we must always think beyond the majority. The questions
• Faith-based music at meetings/ programs to ask ourselves are, “Will we offend anyone?” or “Will the
• Allowing Mediums to attend a meeting or in any newly bereaved person attending a meeting for the first
time feel the comfort and compassion that we intend to
way endorsing their use offer and truly see what our organization is about?”
• Religious symbols

• Establish procedures for Chapter follow up with
member; provide leadership with the resources to
ensure that everyone feels comfortable.

Welcome New TCF Chapters: #2506 TCF of Smith Point ~ Mastic Beach, NY © Jeka84/fotolia.com
Chartered ~ September 20, 2017
#2501 TCF of Sweetwater County ~ Green River, WY
Chartered ~ July 17, 2017 #2507 TCF of Southern Huntingdon County ~ Orbisonia, PA
Chartered ~ September 21, 2017
#2502 TCF of Shelbyville ~ Shelbyville, IN #2508 TCF of Oro Valley ~ Oro Valley, AZ
Chartered ~ August 4, 2017
Chartered ~ October 10, 2017
#2503 TCF of the North GA Mountains ~ Cornelia, GA #2509 TCF of Garrett County ~ Oakland, MD
Chartered ~ August 17, 2017
Chartered ~ October 10, 2017
#2504 TCF of Glen Head, NY ~ Glen Head, NY #2510 TCF of The Roaring Fork Valley ~ Carbondale, CO
Chartered ~ August 22, 2017
Chartered ~ October 25, 2017
#2505 TCF of South Central Indiana ~ Nashville, IN
Chartered ~ August 23, 2017

Our thanks to the following Chapters for their generosity (Gifts received between May 1 - September 15, 2017)

Circle of Love ($2,500-$5,000) Circle of Support ($200-$499) TCF North Palm Beach County Chapter
Nashville Chapter Contra Costa County Chapter in memory of their children, grandchildren
in memory of the children of the Nashville in memory of their children, grandchildren and siblings gone too soon
Chapter and siblings gone too soon TCF of Roanoke Valley
in memory of their children, grandchildren
Circle of Hope ($1,000-$2,499) Livonia Chapter and siblings gone too soon
Manhattan Chapter in memory of all their children, TCF of the Treasure Coast
in memory of all their children, grandchildren and siblings in memory of their children, grandchildren
grandchildren and siblings gone too soon and siblings gone too soon
Circle of Friends ($50 - $199) TCF Potomac Chapter
Circle of Caring ($500-$999) Bridgeport Chapter in memory of their children, grandchildren
Abington Chapter in memory of their Beloved Children and siblings gone too soon
in memory of all our children and siblings The Compassionate Friends of Pasco
Southwest Florida Chapter County
Arlington Chapter in memory of their children, grandchildren in memory of their children, grandchildren
in memory of all their children, and siblings gone too soon and siblings gone too soon
grandchildren and siblings
Staten Island Chapter
TCF Twin Forks/Hamptons Chapter in memory of their children, grandchildren
in memory of all their children gone too soon and siblings gone too soon

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