A great tradition for the beginning of meetings, as borrowed from other Twelve Steps organizations, is the reading of literature.
Reading at the beginning of a meeting helps orient attendees to our shared values and mission. Too often, as misdiagnosed persons, we are inclined to believe that we are the only ones who share our views, or that there is something officially wrong with the way we view things or with knowing the fact of our having experienced the trauma of misdiagnosis. It is hard to underestimate the power of reading the written words with those of like mind, and by those of like mind.
Reading is curated by the leader of the group, but suggestions are welcome, and it is encouraged that reading options may put to a vote.
In more established Twelve Step programs, literature is very often what has been written by previous leaders in the organization who have attended or led many group meetings and can therefore voice an authoritative group perspective.
The perspective of Misdiagnosed Anonymous is newer, and growing. And the literature of our meetings may be more diverse.
Reading material may include:
- Thoughts, prayers, opinions, or reflections written by MA members or leadership
- Material related to our shared mission in the areas of psychology, philosophy, spirituality.
- Historical material related to understanding how the situation of misdiagnosis has come to affect so many or other similar material in the realm of mad activism
- Inspiring material from other Twelve Step programs
We value reading as a form of communication for its simplicity in communication and its long tradition of supporting coherent thought. Also, there is the potential for a tradition of reading aloud in a group to build positive feeling and a sense of intellectual intimacy within a group. This being said, short videos or audio recordings may also be considered.
This portion of the meeting may take on average 10 – 15 minutes. Adjustments may be made based on attendance and other factors.
Typically, after a reading, a group leader may ask if any members to feel called to share any reactions or reflections that the reading may have inspired.
Misdiagnosed Anonymous 