Start a Mom’s Group
Importance of Moms Groups | Setting up a mom group | Managing a Moms Group
Importance of Mom Groups
Looking for someone with whom you can chat with about the latest in organic baby foods or tips on reducing your baby’s environment footprint from the outset? Creating a local group for green-minded moms allows you to develop a network within your own community where women can interact, share thoughts, and support each other.
While new moms of past generations were typically surrounded by an orchestra of help and advice in the forms of grandmothers, mothers-in-law, sisters, aunts, and cousins, moms today aren’t always afforded this luxury, and can succumb to feelings of isolation or confusion. Interacting with other moms interested in a more natural lifestyle is a great way to combat the pressures of modern parenthood. Mom groups not only provide a valuable social outlet, but also expose you to new ideas on raising your child in the healthiest way possible. Whether you’re looking to form an intimate bond with other moms like you, or just discuss the ins and outs of green living, a moms group will likely prove a fulfilling experience for you and your child.
The best way to begin forming a moms’ group is by starting with people you know. Talk to new mothers that you meet at the doctor’s office or baby classes, and let family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers know what you are doing so they pass the words on to others. You can keep track of interested moms by creating a group e-mail list, and later let them know about a designated date, time, and place for your first mom group meeting.
Setting up a mom group
The best way to begin forming a mom group is by starting with people you know. Talk to friends, neighbors, and co-workers, and encourage them to pass the word along to others. You can keep track of interested moms by creating an e-mail list, and later let them know about a designated date, time, and place for your first mom group meeting.
Another idea is to utilize local resources to help spread the word about the new group. Post fliers on community bulletin boards at your local library or natural foods store, for instance, or publicize the group on networking websites like CafeMom or ParentCenter. Schools and pediatricians’ offices are also good places that might be interested in letting other moms know about the group. You can keep membership as large or small as you like, with smaller groups meeting in someone’s home and larger ones moving to a more accommodating, public location (think a nearby Whole Foods or café, for instance.)
Depending on your group size, you may want to delegate some duties to other moms as well. A secretary can be in charge of sending out mass e-mails, for example, while a treasurer can take care of any financial matters. If your group opts to take field trips (visits to a local farm in the fall or family-friendly matinees on a rainy day, perhaps) an event coordinator would be helpful as well.
Managing a Moms Group
Once you’ve sent out the invitations and have an idea of how many people to expect – set up a room with maximum floor space and pillows on the floor in a circle. The middle of the room should be designated for (awake) children to lie or play. Make sure there is a blanket in that area, and some age-appropriate toys.
Prepare some simple, healthy snacks for the meeting – such as Earth’s Best Sesame Street Organic Crunchin’ Crackers and water or Earth’s Best Tots Organic Juice for any toddlers and organic, sliced fruit and cheese for the moms (if you’re up for it – check out the recipe below for pumpkin-blueberry muffins).
Aim for your gathering to last for about 90 minutes, with the first 10-15 minutes designated as a mingling period to allow for latecomers. Once everyone has arrived, the host can initiate the topic for discussion and moderate the conversation so everyone stays on track. On the www.momsmeet.com website, you will find different topics for discussion every month, with the latest information available on the subject. It is recommended that everyone read up on the matter before coming to the meeting – but if mom duties get in the way – then the host can summarize for everyone before beginning the discussion.
Whether your group decides to gather weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, consider having each meeting at a different member’s home. This allows each group member to play host and feel her contribution to the group.
Finally, be sure to choose a time to formally close the meeting. Gather all members together, thank them for coming, and remind them of the time, date, and location for next time.
