Mood: Generous

Hello everyone =hereticschizoid here.

I know the club has been a bit dead for a couple weeks, mostly due to the fact that I had a 2 week ban for being bitchy in the forums (oops ) and =jgfeller my faithful assistant has been busy.

But I'm back and I've got news for you

The VSG Chatroom Contest
You all have been doing a terrible job participating with the chatroom. SO to give you a bit of extra incentive to go in there and make some friends and promote conversation, I'm going to give out a three-month subscription to deviantART at the end of each week for participation.

So if you go in there and see that there's nobody around, idle for a while and see if anybody pops in. Talk to them. Then, next time you come back, that person may be in there too. And then another person might come in and see that the two of you are there and THAT person will be more likely to show up again as well.

That's how this is going to work. The more you visit the more likely you are to find someone in there to talk with. And if someone finds a person to talk with, they are more likely to come back. And I want people to come back.

*rayvinazn has donated three 3-month-subs, =summaro has donated one 3-month-sub, and =rnx has donated one 1-month-sub and may increase that to a 3-month-sub. If I can find more friends to donate, we may keep this contest going for several weeks. Contest starts NOW.

Prizes will be awarded every Monday. Awards will be based on how much you participate in the room. Talk to others, promote discussion, etc. You do not need to be a member to win though it would probably increase your chances quite a bit if I know that you've also participated in the rest of the club.

Ready annddd... chat!

#VictimSupportGroup




Welcome to the Victim Support Group

Who is this community for?
This community is for victims of abuse, neglect, rape, molestation, disease or any other traumatic experiences. We hope that it can become a safe haven where victims can share in a nonjudgmental environment


So only victims can join?
Not at all. Support comes from victims and nonvictims alike. It would actually be wonderful to have nonvictims in the community who show how much they care.


Who are victims?
Victims can be anyone. Male, female, young, old... it doesn't matter.

What's the point? What will we be doing?
As the community is new, management will be brainstorming ideas for participation. We ask that you help by submitting any ideas you may have as well as by participating as much as possible. For starters, victims can submit their stories. Also any artwork relating to the theme of our group can be submitted. Submissions will be by note (proper form will be described below).

How do I join?
Like most communities on dA, just add us to your watch list. It would be really nice if you'd link to the avatar or username in your journal or your signature, but we understand some people would rather not so that is entirely up to you.

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Rules

1) No lying:
_{Lying creates a mockery of those who really have gone through the pain and trauma that you are fabricating. Honesty is paramount in gaining trust and support.}

2) No inappropriate jokes:
_{Use common sense please. Laughing is good but if someone opens up their story to you and you try to make a lighthearted joke... it doesn't really work.}

3) Think before you type:
_{It is easy to post a comment like "It could always be worse" or "that doesn't sound too bad to me" or "lol you did what?" or "ew that's gross" etc. Something you might say without really thinking how the other person will interpret or feel about it. Some people are sensitive so be considerate of what words you choose.}

4) Common sense dont's:
_{Refrain from spamming, pestering, flaming, racism, insulting, stereotyping, assuming, mocking or any other obviously inappropriate behavior. Follow dA policy.}

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Some Ideas

1) Stories:
It can really help to vent a story you've been holding inside.

Submit your story by note. Be sure to type "Story" in the subject line. Also include any preferences you have... (Do you want to remain anonymous? Would you like us to notify you by note when you receive comments? Keep in mind it will be easier if you don't remain anonymous so that you can reply to comments addressed towards you.)

Please pay attention to spelling and grammar.

2) Suggestions and donations:
We're very new and could use suggestions. If you have an idea for contests, activities, or just something small that you want changed or added please send a note with "Suggestion" in the subject line. Also if you would like to donate a contest prize in the way of subscriptions, etc. you may send a note with "Donation" in the subject line.

3) Artwork:
If you have a piece of literature, a poem, or any visual art in your gallery (or that you've made specifically for the club) that you feel applies to the community contact us by note (subject line should read "Art") and we will discuss submitting it on the main page.

4) Articles:
If anyone wants to write or has written an article that addresses any aspect of abuse whether it be healing, statistics, or just interesting information please contact us by note (subject line "Article") and we will discuss it with you. If you find an article that sounds interesting from the internet or elsewhere you can send me a link to that too. In the note you send, be sure to specify whether the article is one of your own or something written by another.

5) Contests:
In the future, we will probably be holding contests to increase participation. If you have suggestions or donations, please send them by note.