This document contains guidelines for social workers and other resource persons who are assisting self-help groups. It begins by defining the purpose of the resource person as meeting with group members on a consistent basis to provide information about available resources, offer suggestions and advice when appropriate, answer questions, and offer insight to members as they develop the group. Eight essential structural features of self-help groups are listed and four functional attributes which emerge from these features are discussed. Five phases of self-help groups identified by Katz (1970) are explained. It is noted that the major role of a resource person is to provide information about available resources. Several specific areas in which resources should be provided are discussed: (1) the media; (2) community and counseling services; (3) meeting location; (4) speakers and/or films; (5) professional assistance; (6) counseling service; (7) recreational services; (8) self-help groups and associations; (9) self-help clearinghouses; and (10) suggested reading lists. The need for legal counsel is considered and the areas of informed consent and confidentiality are addressed. Ways of organizing and using group meetings are described. The appendices contain a list of self-help clearinghouses and suggested readings for self-help groups. (NB)