Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the MOMS Club®?
A: MOMS Club® (MOMS Offering Moms Support) is an international organization whose members are at-home moms or working part-time. Members support each other by planning activities, sharing advice, and introducing their children to others in their area. Learn more about the International MOMS Club at www.momsclub.org. It costs $25 per year annual dues to join the League City-Central/Dickinson-East chapter of MOMS Club®.
Q: What do I receive when becoming a member?
A: Once you’ve submitted the new member form and the $25 annual dues to our Membership VP, you will receive a full membership contact list, the most recent monthly calendar, a list of all board members and other coordinators, and the most recent newsletter. You will also be placed on our group e-mail distribution list so you will receive all e-mails pertaining to club business. The group e-mail address is only to be used for club business, so you won’t receive unnecessary communication.
Q: How is the club managed and how do you communicate?
A: A volunteer board consisting of a President, Administrative Vice President, Membership Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer manage the club. Each board member performs specific duties necessary for the club to function properly. All board positions are up for election every June, and all members are welcome to run for any position.
Q: What kind of activities do you plan?
A: MOMS Club® of League City-Central/Dickinson-East plans monthly calendars of activities such as playgroups at members’ homes; outdoor activities at playgrounds, zoos and public parks; indoor activities at gyms and children’s museums; special interest groups such as arts/crafts club and book club; and annual parties for Spring, Summer, Halloween and the December holidays. Other advantages of the club are “Caring MOMS” where members support other members in need (i.e. births, sickness, etc.) with weekly dinners; a monthly newsletter including interesting articles and news submitted by members; and a Moms Night Out. Members are always encouraged to offer new ideas for activities and special interest groups. The MOMS Club® activity calendars on Meetup are a collaborative effort from all members.
Q: When and where are the activities?
A: All activities vary in day & time (with the exception of playgroups) so everyone has a chance to participate, regardless of their schedule. Activities are never in the same place. We try to spread them all over our area to make it fair for everyone.
Q: Can anyone host a playgroup?
A: Yes, anyone may host a playgroup. We have two types of playgroups: one type is for all age kids to play and the other type is age-specific. The age group playgroups are separated by year. Each playgroup has a coordinator who plans the date and locations each month in conjunction with the playgroup members. People within the playgroup usually volunteer to host on a particular date and the playgroup coordinator puts all the dates together each month and submits it for the calendar.
Q: Can my children really come to everything with me? What about kids I baby-sit for?
A: Yes, please bring your children to everything! Being a stay-at-home mom shouldn't keep you at home. (Most moms do choose to leave the kids with dad or a sitter for MOMS Night Out, but nursing infants are always welcome!) You may bring any children besides your own that you are responsible for as long as we have a signed liability release form on hand for each child.
Q: My child is just a few months old. Is it worth it for me to join now, or should I wait until she/he is older and can participate in the activities?
A: MOMS Club is a support and activities organization, available to stay-at-home and part-time-working mothers. Whether your child is five weeks old, five months old, or five years old, you need support! While your child may be too young to participate in some of our special events, there are frequent playgroups, which have at least one mom with an infant in them. These gatherings allow you to connect with moms who are going through – or recently did – the same things you are: challenges with feeding, sleeping through the night, introducing solids, learning to crawl, and the first word. As for other activities – whether a gathering in someone’s home or an outing – as a member, you are always welcome to come and bring your baby. We encourage you to join so that you can socialize for yourself - that's what new moms need!
Q: How many activities must you participate in once you join?
A: There is no requirement for the number of activities you much participate in. You may participate in as little or as much as you’d like. Of course, the more you join in, the more fun the MOMS Club® is for both you and your children!
Q: How much are the dues and what do they pay for? Is there any assistance available for the dues?
A: The annual dues are $25.00. We pay the International MOMS Club Corporation $2 per member per year to maintain our charter. Your dues also pay for the general supplies needed to run the chapter. Since we are a non-profit group, we can spend very little on parties, etc. and thus must rely on our membership to donate the time and supplies to make our gatherings work. We would never want to turn away a Mom who needs support, so if the dues are a hardship for you and your family, let us know and our President will work with you. If you would prefer to make payments, that is also an option.
Q: How much will the MOMS Club cost me?
A: You do not need to spend any money besides your annual dues unless you choose to. Play groups, park days, and most activity groups are all free. Some field trips and MOMS Nights Out may cost additional funds, but we try to keep them reasonable. In addition, you may choose to bring snacks or a potluck dish to some gatherings, or donate craft supplies to a children's party, and the cost of those are up to you.
Q: When do I need to renew and whom do I pay?
A: Memberships are good for one year. Your renewal is due by the end of your anniversary month. You will receive a reminder letter from a board member the month prior to your renewal. Upcoming renewals are also listed in the current month's newsletter.
Q: How can I get more involved with the club?
A: We rely on our members for everything, so your participation is appreciated. This is YOUR club, and you will get out of it what you put into it. You may get involved in several ways:
· Participate in scheduled monthly activities
· Host a playgroup at your home
· Recommend new ideas for the activity calendar
· Volunteer to be a coordinator for an activity on the calendar
· Participate in special interest clubs
· Start a new special interest club
· Suggest a fun idea for MOMS Night Out
· Recommend a speaker series topic
Q: I have an interest that the MOMS Club doesn’t address. Who do I talk to?
A: If you have any suggestions, please contact the board President. She would love to help you start a new activity group! Chances are good that if you are interested in something, another member is also.