So, after you've got your group started, just "facilitate", or keep things flowing. My work in keeping the group going has not been overwhelming. I arrange for speakers every other month, update the Meetup website, am there to set up the room and greet people, introduce speakers, and on months when there is no speaker, I do my best to keep the conversation going, which most times is not even necessary. I also send out or forward emails that I think may be of interest to the group. You could take on more if you like, but it's not required. I reserve our meeting place for a year at a time, so that requires minimal effort. If you have "difficult" members, seek out help & advice. Here is some info that may help.
/uploads/6/5/9/7/6597445/group_management.doc
/uploads/6/5/9/7/6597445/support_group_process.doc
At your first couple of meetings, or by email, ask people what they expect from a support group. The Meetup website comes in handy here, because you can set it up where new members need to answer questions, and that could be one of them. Check with your members every so often and ask for feedback, positive or negative, and be as open as possible to change.
/uploads/6/5/9/7/6597445/group_management.doc
/uploads/6/5/9/7/6597445/support_group_process.doc
At your first couple of meetings, or by email, ask people what they expect from a support group. The Meetup website comes in handy here, because you can set it up where new members need to answer questions, and that could be one of them. Check with your members every so often and ask for feedback, positive or negative, and be as open as possible to change.