The internet is a great way to connect with other widows, but it is also an unsafe place where widows are often targeted for donations, memberships and product sales. While searching for that perfect Zoom group there were several key indicators that I kept in mind:

1. It needed to be for widows only.
2. We want it to be organized and professionally moderated.
3. A group that isn’t so large that you don’t have a voice.
4. That the discussions are helpful.
5. That they are not giving a free session or so, just so that they can later try to promote their book, get you to join their paying memberships, donate to their cause or use your goodwill.

For those that don’t know me, I was widowed at the age of 50 and I am the Author/Founder of “The Sisterhood of Widows”, Early Intervention Field Traumatologist (EIFT) and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist.   I am not going to do Zoom meetings as I already have a website filled free resources, a blog, three free guides, a YouTube channel and both a public and private Facebook group – all for free. I wish I could say that I found the perfect group for all the widows here, but each Zoom group I checked out had both pros and cons.  I am not getting anything from any organizations for promoting them and my only interest is in protecting widows who come here for resources.  Some groups are church based and have sponsors so the costs for membership may be free (for a while).  Some offer a lot of different services, but their groups are for both men and women. Therefore, I strongly suggest that you do your own online research as to what organization appeals to you when it comes to doing online Zoom meetings.   I am not going to give you that perfect match as there isn’t one that will be perfect for each and every one of you. Here are a few that are worth checking out:

• Grief Share
• Widow Strong
• Soaring Spirits

Keeping each and every widow safe is my top priority. Sincerely, Mary Francis #thesisterhoodofwidows