An Overview Of Our Meetings
CHOW group discussions are open to everyone in the industry—chefs, servers, bartenders, owners, suppliers, farmers, housekeepers, dishwashers, and former industry workers. Virtual meetings are easy to join from anywhere with a phone; please note the time zones. Sobriety is NOT required to use CHOW resources, however we do ask that the meetings be a protected and substance free space.
The facilitators of the space are called ExPOS – Experienced Peer Offering Support. They have lived experience in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry AND mental health or substance use issues. They are not the group leader, they “are US helping Us.” They have received training to facilitate a meeting and resource navigating.
What To Expect
- Each meeting has an ExPOS (Experienced Peer Offering Support) and a Host so you will never be alone at a meeting- you can show up any way that feels safe, camera on/off, name or just an initial, speaking or using the chat box.
- Everyone in the room has food/beverage/hospitality experience, which makes it easy to connect.
- We start with our preamble to set the space for the meeting; attendees are asked to just be themselves and leave titles at the door.
- Then we have an icebreaker to build connections.
- The ExPOS will facilitate the conversation, listen for common threads and ask clarifying questions.
- Meetings have no intake or sign up forms. Simply come to the meeting you’d like.
- Meetings are voluntary and focus on each attendee’s strengths
How Are You, Really?
- Then we check in with everyone in the room, “how are you, really?”
- Sharing is VOLUNTARY and you can show up any way that feels safe, camera on/off, name or just an initial, speaking or using the chat box
- Share a success, or a struggle, both, or whatever is on your mind.
- Discussions focus on sharing personal experiences and we don’t offer advice unless requested.
- Five minutes before the end of the hour, we will wrap up the meeting and read our exit amble.
- EXPOs and Hosts stay after the meeting. If you want 1:1 support, you can connect then or set up a time later.
Setting The Space
- Meetings are confidential. What’s shared here stays here.
- Meetings are a great place to share things that are weighing you down or celebrate successes in your life.
- Come if you are doing great and want to share how you got there
- Come if you could use a little help
- Come if you’re feeling a little rock bottom
- Come if you feeling glass is half full/empty
- Come even if you’re feeling good and just want to connect with others in the industry
What Is An ExPOS? (Experienced Peer Offering Support)
An ExPOS is someone who has their own experience with mental health and/or recovery AND has worked in the food, beverage, or hospitality industry. They now support others by sharing what helped them, offering guidance, and facilitating group conversations. An ExPOS understands the challenges of this industry and provides support and perspective from lived experience.
What Does An ExPOS Do?
An ExPOS offers non-clinical support in a space built on “us helping us.”. An ExPOS facilitates the conversation, listens, asks questions, and helps people share what has worked for them. They respect individual choices and help the group find common ground. An ExPOS will always ask for your consent before asking follow-up questions.
Key Qualities Of ExPOS
- Hopeful: Demonstrate that recovery and change is possible.
- Open-minded: Accept individuals unconditionally.
- Empathetic: Connect emotionally with others.
- Respectful: Value each person’s unique contributions.
- Honest/Direct: Communicate clearly and compassionately.
Types Of Support
An ExPOS offers various types of support: group discussion meetings, one-on-one sessions. Support can be tailored to specific needs, such as addiction, anxiety, depression, or relationship problems, etc…
Limitations Of Peer Support
- Compatibility: You might not click with every ExPOS or group.
- Focus: Our meetings are not professional therapy and may not meet all needs.
- Emotional Capacity: If you’re overwhelmed, group support might be too much.
- Boundaries: ExPOS do not provide advice, transportation, or financial support and are not your friends but support providers who are friendly and kind.
What to Expect from a CHOW ExPOS:
- Problem-Solving: Gain insights from others’ experiences.
- Normalization: Receive validation and help in setting goals.
- Community Building: Form supportive relationships through shared experiences.
- Destigmatization: Talk openly, ask for support, and be treated with respect.
- Individualized Support: Get help navigating difficult situations and connecting with resources, especially during crises.
Who Is In The Food, Beverage, and Hospitality industry?
Bussers, bakers, servers, dishwashers, baristas, bartenders, chefs; anyone who provides food, beverage, lodging, entertainment, customer service and former industry workers.
Are CHOW group meetings right for me?
If you’re comfortable sharing and listening to others’ experiences, our group discussion meetings may be a good fit. These are not therapy sessions. They are community conversations based on shared experience and support.
Meetings are for people in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry. We respect privacy, and what’s shared stays in the group.
