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Purpose & Guidelines
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In Short, This is What We Are:
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Ouchies is a group of chronically ill individuals and their caregivers, meeting on the weekends in the online universe of Second Life, to share experiences, laughter, and support. It is a real support group in a computerized 'fantasy' world.
What We Aren't:
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Ouchies and the Advocates (Founders, or 'Owners' of the group) are not licensed therapists or otherwise qualified to offer counseling, or the equivalent of therapy. We are also not available to offer one-to-one counseling via IM (instant message) or e-mail.
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Ouchies is not intended to replace other online support groups, such as forums, chat rooms, etcetera. We merely hope to supplement your other avenues of support, online and otherwise. Meetings will be on Friday nights, and Saturday afternoons, with the occasional in-world (Second Life) special event. We will not be having regular 'chat', or at this time, a forum (message board) on our website. We encourage everyone to also take other avenues to socialize, vent, and etc.! There can never be too many avenues, options, or resources for you; or too many people offering their support, knowledge, and various experiences to their peers.
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Ouchies is not a religious or political group. Everyone should feel welcomed in the clubhouse, and in the meetings. While, in order to maintain a level of comfort for as many people as possible, there will be an informal 'code of conduct/dress', our aim is to reach anyone who struggles with an illness/pain, and the people who care for them. Any religion, race or creed is welcomed inside the group, and though the Ouchies Advocates will be happy to offer prayer in private to anyone who requests it, personal beliefs, whatever they are, will not be 'forced' on group members or visitors.
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We are not technical support. While Second Life can have a rather high learning curve, at first, the Ouchies Advocates have spent a large amount of time reliving their first moments in Second Life, and have developed lots of user friendly resources for new arrivals into the virtual world. These resources will be available via the Ouchies website, and at the clubhouse.
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We are not corporate machines, tireless crusaders, or even physically whole! The Ouchies Advocates (group 'owners') are simply 'Ouchies' like everyone else in the group. Therefore, we are subject to the pitfalls of life also, such as flare-ups, brain fog, complete and total exhaustion, forgetting to put 'i' after 'e' except after 'c', and occasionally being bed bound. =) Please have mercy on us!
Finally, what we are, is very happy to see you. Know that you're not alone, and we are so very glad to work towards healing together with you!