How do I attend a professional community? Which one should I attend and what will the experience be like?

You can sign up to to attend a group here. Group discussions cover a specific work-related topic of interest, such as when to disclose at work or helpful accommodations and how to ask for them. Group members are also encouraged to take the discussion wherever is most helpful for them that day. Our communities aren’t counseling or a replacement for therapy, but a research-backed resource that can improve your work life.

What community options are there for professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Cohorts: Our cohorts are small groups of professionals that meet together regularly for three to six months.  

Drop-Ins: Our drop-in sessions are offered once or twice per month. They are open to anyone, whether they have attended a group before or not.

If you’re interested in starting a professional community in your region, please contact us and we will work with you to establish one.
 

Are professional communities confidential?

Absolutely. We have a norm of confidentiality and ask all participants to sign a code of conduct that includes keeping all information and participants confidential as well as maintaining respectful conversations. Any personal information that Mind Share Partners collects is also kept secure and confidential.
 

Are professional communities held at companies?

In order to maintain our commitment to an environment of safety, openness, and privacy, our communities are not affiliated with any specific workplace. Our groups are citywide communities of individuals from across organizations and sectors who register on their own accord rather than in groups, teams, or colleagues within a company.

If your company would like to pursue an internal group experience, consider adopting a Mind Share Partners workshop.
 

Who should attend? I haven’t been diagnosed with a specific condition--is this still for me??

Yes! Professional communities are for anyone looking for support around their mental health at work. Whether you’re managing a diagnosed condition, experiencing symptoms, or just having a tough year, our groups provide a supportive community and a chance to swap experiences and strategies about navigating the workplace.
 

​Is there a cost associated with attending a group?

Professional communities are open to everyone. To support the growth of our mission, we’re currently asking participants for a suggested donation (based on ability to pay). Learn more about our mission here.
 

​How will participation help me?

Our participants cite feeling less alone and being part of a community, learning concrete tools and strategies to use at work, and being motivated to be a change agent in the workplace.

Peer support is an evidence-based practice. According to research by the Department of Health & Human Services, peer support services have been shown to “promote hope and belief in the possibility of recovery, empowerment and increased self-esteem, self-efficacy and self-management of difficulties and social inclusion, engagement and increased social networks” and have “led to greater levels of satisfaction with personal circumstances among those receiving services.”