Guide for People leaving Cults

[Albion]

While some former Scientologists have a support network of other ex-members to fall back on, this new resource for people in the United States leaving cults may help with some of the nuts and bolts of getting back into the mainstream.

http://startingout.icsa.name/

Welcome
Starting Out in Mainstream America offers information about life in the USA today. Adjusting to any new culture can be slow, difficult, and painful. If you are entering or preparing for re-entry into mainstream American life after a long absence, or perhaps for the first time, you may have many questions about where to find and how to do things.

From the International Cultic Studies Association (formerly the American Family Foundation):

This book provides practical solutions for people with needs like:

getting a driver’s license
finding a place to live
finding a job or job training
getting health care
finding your way around the legal system

and information about broader concepts like

Abuse and neglect
Communications skills
Relationships
Parenting skills
Aspects of mainstream culture like music, movies, and sports

jj

[Sindy]

Looks like a useful book. When a friend of mine left the Sea Org (after being in the RPF for almost 8 years!), he had nothing. No driver's license, no job, no vehicle, etc.

I helped him to get these things but, I can see how this book would be valuable.

[Lulu Belle]

While some former Scientologists have a support network of other ex-members to fall back on, this new resource for people in the United States leaving cults may help with some of the nuts and bolts of getting back into the mainstream.

http://startingout.icsa.name/


jj

I really could have used something like this when I got out.

[Petey C]

Good stuff, thanks for posting.

[Dunvegan]

Really pricelessly practical.

Just what would give someone cloistered from society a quick start guide up, and much needed confidence and basic knowledge.

I love it!

[sallydannce]

Thanks Albion. Good stuff.

[still here]

Really pricelessly practical.

Just what would give someone cloistered from society a quick start guide up, and much needed confidence and basic knowledge.

I love it!

I am not sure we have such a book in the UK.
We may of course but they are not always helpful...I remember the famous one years ago (a leaflet) in post offices etc, entitled "What to do when you die". Really useful!
Anyway as I have been out of the SO for 30 years, I had a partner - also escaped and we supported each other and dis-entangled ourselves very sucessfully.
I however, came out with no real way of getting a good job so I went back to college for 2 years - in my spare time I volunteered as a Samaritan for 4 years. What I loved was that anyone could ring us - confidentially to talk about their deepest dispairs and suicidal feelings - things they could not discuss with their families and loved ones as it was too painful and would be too hurtful to them.
Although our message boards do obviously provide immense support I sometimes think a helpline would offer a really good alternative - manned by exes and with lots of information available on the categories above!
If anyone wants to start one in the Uk - give me a PM!!
Just think if we could advertise to those still in, terrified of leaving - but who could have life line..
Anyway - just a thought.

[uniquemand]

http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthrea...ve-Scientology