Maslow believed that an individual must substantially satisfy the needs at the lowest level before he or she could begin to satisfy the needs at the next higher level. Only when the needs of all lower levels were satisfied could Self-Actualization Needs begin to be satisfied. Self-actualization is the fulfillment of one's human potential, and is often the point at which an individual becomes truly creative.
In the context of Society, Physiological Needs include food, water, and sex as procreation (but not sex as love). Were Maslow alive today, I believe he would have added drugs to this layer, and more specifically, addiction. The homeless person on the corner with the "Will work for food" sign, or the drug addict who steals to buy more drugs are examples of people who are stuck at this level.
Security and Safety Needs include a home and a job. The homeless and the impoverished are examples of people stuck at this level.
Belongingness Needs includes both the need to be loved and the other part of sex as lovemaking. Children of single parents who are left alone while their parent works, as well as people in the process of divorcing fit here. Gangs and cults prey on these people, as they do those at the next level, but support groups can truly help these people.
Self-Esteem Needs are self-explanatory. It is said that today's youth lack self-esteem, and someone who has just been divorced suffers as well. Again, gangs and cults appeal to these people, but support groups are what they truly need.
Before I discuss the next level, I should note that in the six-level hierarchy, a layer called Self-Fulfillment Needs fits in here. In the seven-level hierarchy, this is divided into Cognitive Needs followed by Aesthetic Needs. In the context of a singles club, or any club, the satisfaction of these needs may be an important step towards reaching self-actualization.
When Self-Actualization Needs are satisfied, a person can perform or live at his or her full potential. First, the person must have substantially satisfied the lower four levels of needs, then he or she can work on their curiosity and the need to understand. Now they can be creative.
So, we first assume that the people joining a singles club have substantially met the first two levels of needs. We assume that they have a roof over their heads, a steady and adequate income, are not drug addicts (or alcoholics), and they get enough to eat each day. Now comes the tricky part.
We must also assume that their Belongingness and Self-Esteem Needs are at least partially satisfied. If not, they really need the services that a support group can provide, at least for a while. They need to substantially alleviate the pain they are feeling, and get comfortable with their new single status.
Once they are comfortable, a singles club can help them develop a circle of friends and a social life. They can become active and begin dating again. But they have to be ready for a group that is a social club, not a support group.
As they attend group events, they will begin to satisfy their Belongingness Needs. As they make more intimate friends, they will begin dating and doing things with one special person, and in the process they will further satisfy their Self-Esteem Needs.
The singles club itself is a catalyst. Happy hours, parties, and other group events only begin to fill a social life. A diverse calendar of events will help fulfill those Cognitive and Aesthetic Needs and begin to lead to Self-Actualization. What will really lead to that level is the opportunity for people to meet, get to know each other, discover their common interests, and take the important step of going on a date as a couple, rather than as a group.
How do you use a singles group to its fullest? Your relationship with the group is a two-way affair. Hopefully, you will offer to include events that interest you on the calendar, and host those. And then we hope that others will share your interest and join you in attending those events as a group. Among these people, you might discover someone special, and take the next step of asking them to an event on a date as a couple.