Are you planning to start a CRO?  Here are ideas for first steps in developing a CRO.  These steps are especially important if you plan to seek Kansas SRS funding for your CRO. 

Social and Rehabilitation Services has contracted with the Self-Help Network Center for Community Support and Research at Wichita State University to provide support to current and prospective CROs. When consumers are interested in starting a CRO - here are some ways we can help.

Start with Mutual Support The Self-Help Network encourages consumers to build strong relationships, share meals, peer support, and activities together as you work to form a CRO. Strong, mutually supportive friendships will carry you through stressful times should they occur. The Self-Help Network has ideas and activities for building teamwork.

Visit Other CROs Kansas boasts a strong network of CROs that are always happy to help one another. The Self-Help Network can connect you with other CROs in your area and encourages you to visit and see how they operate. We can also cover the cost of consumer experts that can visit your group.

Start with a Clear Vision The Self-Help Network can help you create a vision and mission for your Consumer Run Organization. This will guide you as you create your organization.

Take Care of Business We have a lot of experience helping CROs develop bylaws, establish a board of directors, incorporate with the State of Kansas, and apply for IRS nonprofit status. The Self-Help Network provides an attorney to review and advise you on all of these steps at no cost to your group. We also offer information and examples of successful management tools and practices used by established as well as developing CROs.

Build Community Relationships As a newly developing nonprofit, your CRO needs to build partnerships in the community. A CRO must operate independently but no organization is an island! The local mental health center, NAMI group, churches, civic organizations, and businesses want to know about your plans and needs. Your board can decide as a group what help to accept and what help might reduce your independence as a truly consumer run operation.

Participate in Statewide Consumer Activities The Self-Help Network will keep you informed of opportunities to meet and learn with other CROs in Kansas and the nation.

Apply for Grants The Self-Help Network provides training and can help you individually apply for SRS funds, seek support from community partners, and pursue private foundations and businesses for support.