So I've found that sometimes our leader meetings just don't work. Face to face meetings are always the best, but when push comes to shove-- sick kids, vacations, etc. Phone conferences are the way to go!
If you have long distance, you can create a free confrence call through many websites (Check out Rondee.com ) . Most of them you have to register, then you can set up a phone call day and time, and invite your participants.
I had to do this very thing sometimes.
Happy Organizing!
Showing posts with label Organizing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Organizing. Show all posts
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
No Playgroup Junkies Allowed
Once again, time to get opinionated. My never ending search for anything related to playgroups has found me deep in thought. I came across a group who has an awesome info page. The page clearly stated what a membership and who should be a member.
No playgroup junkies....it reads.........wait a minute.........did I read that right?! Apparently they believe that playgroup junkies are not the proper 'material' for their group. Now I understand the theory in this.....If you are a playgroup junkie (which means you belong to several groups in the area) you are less likely to have time to commit to another group..but you know how I like to play devil's advocate.
I've been a huge supporter of the idea that there are never enough playgroups, and there is no such thing as a perfect playgroup for everyone. This group's purpose is to create a tight knit group of like minded families. They don't want a member coming to say...one playgroup a month and never making a deeper connection with the other members. It's HARD to make a connection with someone you only see a few hours out of the month!
So, no playgroup junkies allowed.
But here's where I play devil's advocate. Maybe this person is a playgroup junkie because they haven't found the group that fits them yet; could the perfect playgroup be yours? Well, I guess you wouldn't know if you don't allow playgroup junkies. What are they suppose to do: leave the groups they already are finding a place in, just because you want full committment from them? Do you realize what a turn off that is?
Let's not forget that playgroup junkies also are PROVEN to love playgroups. Why else would be members of so many groups? What kind of potential does that kind of love have? An active member. A resource of ideas. A volunteer..a leader.
All I'm trying to say if you are going to limit your membership (which you should!) make sure you explore all the possibilities of who that excluded someone could be when they do join. Granted that mom who joined last month whom I had a no so great feeling about has yet to be active. But whos knows...even though my first impressions was spot on, that doesn't mean she couldn't have been my next best friend. She still can be.
I just found that this requirement (IMO) contradicted the very thing they were asking for. Maybe they should have put : WANTED: Playgroup Junkie Wannabes. Perhaps that would have been more clear.
Do you allow playgroup junkies in your group? What do you want from your members?
No playgroup junkies....it reads.........wait a minute.........did I read that right?! Apparently they believe that playgroup junkies are not the proper 'material' for their group. Now I understand the theory in this.....If you are a playgroup junkie (which means you belong to several groups in the area) you are less likely to have time to commit to another group..but you know how I like to play devil's advocate.
I've been a huge supporter of the idea that there are never enough playgroups, and there is no such thing as a perfect playgroup for everyone. This group's purpose is to create a tight knit group of like minded families. They don't want a member coming to say...one playgroup a month and never making a deeper connection with the other members. It's HARD to make a connection with someone you only see a few hours out of the month!
So, no playgroup junkies allowed.
But here's where I play devil's advocate. Maybe this person is a playgroup junkie because they haven't found the group that fits them yet; could the perfect playgroup be yours? Well, I guess you wouldn't know if you don't allow playgroup junkies. What are they suppose to do: leave the groups they already are finding a place in, just because you want full committment from them? Do you realize what a turn off that is?
Let's not forget that playgroup junkies also are PROVEN to love playgroups. Why else would be members of so many groups? What kind of potential does that kind of love have? An active member. A resource of ideas. A volunteer..a leader.
All I'm trying to say if you are going to limit your membership (which you should!) make sure you explore all the possibilities of who that excluded someone could be when they do join. Granted that mom who joined last month whom I had a no so great feeling about has yet to be active. But whos knows...even though my first impressions was spot on, that doesn't mean she couldn't have been my next best friend. She still can be.
I just found that this requirement (IMO) contradicted the very thing they were asking for. Maybe they should have put : WANTED: Playgroup Junkie Wannabes. Perhaps that would have been more clear.
Do you allow playgroup junkies in your group? What do you want from your members?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Team Building
My favorite animated movie of all time released for the first time on DVD this month: Beauty and the Beast. My husband knows how much I relish in watching behind the scenes clips, and seeing extras you don't see at the cinemas. For me they are more entertaining than the actual movie; provided I like the movie.
In one the clips, the team talks about the difficulty script writers and the animation supervisor continue to but heads at meetings. It led their supervisor to make one crucial decision; put them both in the same room, everyday.
It worked. They might have not been the best of friends, but they became in tune with working together to achieve their goal; creating a great movie.
Everyone knows, that in order to accomplish more you need a good team. Next month, my team will meeting for the fourth official meeting; which is kind of sad for a group that has been around for three years. But I've been inspired! I want a Disney team. I want to produce an award winning animated film........*heh*......I mean, mom's group.
Making a team is hard, but coming up with team builders is easier than I once thought. All you have to do is come up with a short activity that will make everyone work together to achieve a goal. Not only does it build a team, but it's motivating.
So here I am. I'm treading new territory and don't know where to start......anyone know how to build a good team?
In one the clips, the team talks about the difficulty script writers and the animation supervisor continue to but heads at meetings. It led their supervisor to make one crucial decision; put them both in the same room, everyday.
It worked. They might have not been the best of friends, but they became in tune with working together to achieve their goal; creating a great movie.
Everyone knows, that in order to accomplish more you need a good team. Next month, my team will meeting for the fourth official meeting; which is kind of sad for a group that has been around for three years. But I've been inspired! I want a Disney team. I want to produce an award winning animated film........*heh*......I mean, mom's group.
Making a team is hard, but coming up with team builders is easier than I once thought. All you have to do is come up with a short activity that will make everyone work together to achieve a goal. Not only does it build a team, but it's motivating.
So here I am. I'm treading new territory and don't know where to start......anyone know how to build a good team?
Monday, October 25, 2010
WOM: take two
So I made a promise that I would cover word of mouth how to, and here it is!
Basically word of mouth is a game of telephone, mixed with a drama mama gossip queen, but hopefully word of mouth will be a positive thing for your group.
Be Passionate: First thing to do is to get it started yourself. But you have to make sure you are passionate about it. Make sure what you are talking about means something; to you, and to your member.
Make it Personal: When talking about word of mouth for playgroups I focus on promoting group events. Events are your life source; they are like your company's product, or money line. If your members like your events, they will eventually talk about them to people outside of the group; leading new members to you! When I look at starting a new event I focus finding one or two members interested enough to commit to attending an event before it's scheduled. I schedule it around their schedule, and voila! Two members are already coming. They are personally invested in their event; it's theirs!
Give out Invites: I cannot stress this enough; sending an email or e-vite is not enough; why? Because your members know it was not 'for them'. The best attended events that I have had was when I verbally invited members to the event; Our RSVPs double. Not Kidding.
It's not About YOU: Make sure that it's not just your group, or your events that you are promoting. You have to invest your time and energy in finding other gems of information to recommend around the area too. If you do not, your members will get this turned off attitude to your promotions and it will make you seem as though you think it's all about you. I even make it a habit to recommend other mom's groups to new members if I think a different one will suit them better. You know what they usually tell me? They are still interested in joining mine? (Hehehe, I'm an evil reverse physcologist aren't I?)
Basically word of mouth is a game of telephone, mixed with a drama mama gossip queen, but hopefully word of mouth will be a positive thing for your group.
Be Passionate: First thing to do is to get it started yourself. But you have to make sure you are passionate about it. Make sure what you are talking about means something; to you, and to your member.
Make it Personal: When talking about word of mouth for playgroups I focus on promoting group events. Events are your life source; they are like your company's product, or money line. If your members like your events, they will eventually talk about them to people outside of the group; leading new members to you! When I look at starting a new event I focus finding one or two members interested enough to commit to attending an event before it's scheduled. I schedule it around their schedule, and voila! Two members are already coming. They are personally invested in their event; it's theirs!
Give out Invites: I cannot stress this enough; sending an email or e-vite is not enough; why? Because your members know it was not 'for them'. The best attended events that I have had was when I verbally invited members to the event; Our RSVPs double. Not Kidding.
It's not About YOU: Make sure that it's not just your group, or your events that you are promoting. You have to invest your time and energy in finding other gems of information to recommend around the area too. If you do not, your members will get this turned off attitude to your promotions and it will make you seem as though you think it's all about you. I even make it a habit to recommend other mom's groups to new members if I think a different one will suit them better. You know what they usually tell me? They are still interested in joining mine? (Hehehe, I'm an evil reverse physcologist aren't I?)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Granting Playgroup Leaders Membership?
I belong to three (Techinically five, but who's counting) mommy groups. Two out of the three I help organize. One I am just a member and plan to keep it that way. I enjoy coming to a group where I didn't plan, don't have responsibilities, and can just.....ahhhhhhhh........
I'm lucky to have a group without responsibilities of organizing. For some organizers, having other organizers; even assistants; feels intrusive. I have found that it usually happens when you have clusters of playgroups on the same website. It can happen in other ways, but for some reason the 'nieghborhood rivals' flare up for reasons of jealously, competition, and who knows what.
It's valid. Sometimes leaders join for malicious reasons. But sometimes they join for reasons like mine. A break from being the organizer!
Whether you decide to include other playgroup leaders from nearby groups; it is your decision. What you have to decide is what is in danger by them joining in on your group? Taking your event ideas? Taking your members? Dragging down your momentum?
What you really should ask yourself is how can I benefit from this? Connecting with local organizers allows you bond with someone similular to your position. Expand your resources, your ideas, your enthusaims, and strategies.
Or you might just wind up in a tornado of mama drama. So, without judgement, I will ask you this: Are you willing to stay home when the weather man says the hurricane is coming? Or are you running for the hills? Do you allow organizers in your group? (OK, maybe that was three questions).
I'm lucky to have a group without responsibilities of organizing. For some organizers, having other organizers; even assistants; feels intrusive. I have found that it usually happens when you have clusters of playgroups on the same website. It can happen in other ways, but for some reason the 'nieghborhood rivals' flare up for reasons of jealously, competition, and who knows what.
It's valid. Sometimes leaders join for malicious reasons. But sometimes they join for reasons like mine. A break from being the organizer!
Whether you decide to include other playgroup leaders from nearby groups; it is your decision. What you have to decide is what is in danger by them joining in on your group? Taking your event ideas? Taking your members? Dragging down your momentum?
What you really should ask yourself is how can I benefit from this? Connecting with local organizers allows you bond with someone similular to your position. Expand your resources, your ideas, your enthusaims, and strategies.
Or you might just wind up in a tornado of mama drama. So, without judgement, I will ask you this: Are you willing to stay home when the weather man says the hurricane is coming? Or are you running for the hills? Do you allow organizers in your group? (OK, maybe that was three questions).
Monday, October 11, 2010
Registering Members
So you have your playgroup set up. You've got a date, time, place. You've got moms and kids coming. You probably already have the mother's name, and phone number (If you don't; it might come in handy.....just FYI).
But do you need more information?
Perhaps. Your style of group, and what it does determines what information you need from your members. Sometimes if you don't have that information, you can mess up; big time. Here's some information you may want to consider collecting:
Do you have any other infomation you collect from your members? What do you use it for?
But do you need more information?
Perhaps. Your style of group, and what it does determines what information you need from your members. Sometimes if you don't have that information, you can mess up; big time. Here's some information you may want to consider collecting:
- Mother's Full Name
- Mother's Birthday
- Children's Names and birthdays
- Home/Cell Phone
- Address
- How they heard about the group (helps you find what to invest your promoting in)
- Husband's name and contact
- What they are most interested in (helps you determine what to put on your calendar)
- Children's allergies
Do you have any other infomation you collect from your members? What do you use it for?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Venue Catastrophe!
Venue Catastrophe!!! How to avoid it, and why it’s important.
“Sorry, Closed due to crop rot from the rain” The sign reads the day of our event.Many members said it wasn’t my fault; the venue should have called me (they knew we were coming), but it was partly my fault. Had I followed the advice below, I would have avoided the whole problem………Sometimes organizers become so focused on our members that we tend to forget to maintain contact with our venues; or worse, never make contact to begin with. Venue relationships are important. Take these steps to ensure you carry good relationships with your venues, and your group will benefit.
1. Check it out! Visit during business hours and ask yourself these questions: Is it clean, friendly, and inviting? How is the service/staff? Is it easy to find? Does it have enough space (parking and seating)? Can members pay individually the day of?
2. Call them! Introduce your group, explain what day you plan to use the facility, and double check all their information. Don’t trust websites. One time my venue’s business hours changed, and their snack bar was out of business! Turns out, their website’s last update was two years ago! Write down the name of the person you spoke with: many times when this information has become handy.
3. Remind them! About two days before the event call them. This could have prevented the ‘crop rot disappointment’ I referred to earlier. Give them your head count, and remind them what day and time, especially for smaller places like coffee shops or libraries. I know one coffee shop owner was a little upset when we planned an event at her facility and never told her. A bike group also met up there that day; The shop wound up understaffed and out of space. As a result some bikers were upset because they had no place to sit.
4. Arrive early. Make sure everything is set for your group. Make small talk with the owner: doesn’t have to be much; after all they are working. It may even land you a sponsor.
5. Send your thank you card. It doesn’t reallly have to be a card; it can be an email, a couple pictures, or whatever! It will make your group stand out; Keep in mind the more memorable your group is; the more flexible the venue will be with you.
6. Keep in Touch. I try to update my venue information quarterly. I do this because there may be seasonal venues or venues we haven’t used in a longtime, and touching base solidifies your relationship. Again you don’t want the venue to forget your group!
One other thing that I’ve also found to be handy: Have a backup of list. Thankfully, our pumpkin patch catastrophe wasn’t a complete disaster because of this. If you maintain a good venue relationship with your backup list, they may even allow you to just show up last minute!
“Sorry, Closed due to crop rot from the rain” The sign reads the day of our event.Many members said it wasn’t my fault; the venue should have called me (they knew we were coming), but it was partly my fault. Had I followed the advice below, I would have avoided the whole problem………Sometimes organizers become so focused on our members that we tend to forget to maintain contact with our venues; or worse, never make contact to begin with. Venue relationships are important. Take these steps to ensure you carry good relationships with your venues, and your group will benefit.
1. Check it out! Visit during business hours and ask yourself these questions: Is it clean, friendly, and inviting? How is the service/staff? Is it easy to find? Does it have enough space (parking and seating)? Can members pay individually the day of?
2. Call them! Introduce your group, explain what day you plan to use the facility, and double check all their information. Don’t trust websites. One time my venue’s business hours changed, and their snack bar was out of business! Turns out, their website’s last update was two years ago! Write down the name of the person you spoke with: many times when this information has become handy.
3. Remind them! About two days before the event call them. This could have prevented the ‘crop rot disappointment’ I referred to earlier. Give them your head count, and remind them what day and time, especially for smaller places like coffee shops or libraries. I know one coffee shop owner was a little upset when we planned an event at her facility and never told her. A bike group also met up there that day; The shop wound up understaffed and out of space. As a result some bikers were upset because they had no place to sit.
4. Arrive early. Make sure everything is set for your group. Make small talk with the owner: doesn’t have to be much; after all they are working. It may even land you a sponsor.
5. Send your thank you card. It doesn’t reallly have to be a card; it can be an email, a couple pictures, or whatever! It will make your group stand out; Keep in mind the more memorable your group is; the more flexible the venue will be with you.
6. Keep in Touch. I try to update my venue information quarterly. I do this because there may be seasonal venues or venues we haven’t used in a longtime, and touching base solidifies your relationship. Again you don’t want the venue to forget your group!
One other thing that I’ve also found to be handy: Have a backup of list. Thankfully, our pumpkin patch catastrophe wasn’t a complete disaster because of this. If you maintain a good venue relationship with your backup list, they may even allow you to just show up last minute!
Monday, October 4, 2010
More than a mom's phone
One of the most valuable items I use for my group is my android phone. I'm particularly partial to verizon wireless, so unfortunetly I'm only familair with those apps, but iphones also have simular apps too. I thought that I would list the type of apps I use for my group as helpful resources to your playgroups as well!
EMAIL I use to check my email like 12 times a day. Seriously. I had this constant fear that I would miss an important email. I love how my phone bleeps everytime I have an email.
CALENDAR The calendar app I use is Jorte, and although I'm not completely happy with it ( I would really like to color code my events by grouping, i.e. mom's group, drs. appointments, etc) it is the best calendar app with options. It links with my google calendar, which links directly to my group site as well! It's a win win as far as that goes.
TO DO LIST. My friend has the iphone and uses todoodle, I use Astrid. I love dividing everything into categories, and the reminders, and repeating tasks. It's wonderful for all those little tasks I forget about like calling the venue two days before. I can even use the GPS reminder bells to remind me to drop off deposits for reservations when I'm close to that area.
SOCIAL MEDIA There are plenty of apps out there that are for websites like Facebook, Twitter or the like. For playgroups facebook is a portal for everyday run of the mill contact. It's wonderful.
Finally I had to put this one in here, because I run my group on Meetup.com. It's called Socializer, and it is strictly for those who are members of meetup.com: organizers and members. It makes quick access to the calendar, updates, etc on the website. I can check the RSVPs from my phone, look up directions to my event, etc. It has been a valueable resource when running my group.
So there you have it! The basic apps for running a group on your smartphone! Happy Organizing!
EMAIL I use to check my email like 12 times a day. Seriously. I had this constant fear that I would miss an important email. I love how my phone bleeps everytime I have an email.
CALENDAR The calendar app I use is Jorte, and although I'm not completely happy with it ( I would really like to color code my events by grouping, i.e. mom's group, drs. appointments, etc) it is the best calendar app with options. It links with my google calendar, which links directly to my group site as well! It's a win win as far as that goes.
TO DO LIST. My friend has the iphone and uses todoodle, I use Astrid. I love dividing everything into categories, and the reminders, and repeating tasks. It's wonderful for all those little tasks I forget about like calling the venue two days before. I can even use the GPS reminder bells to remind me to drop off deposits for reservations when I'm close to that area.
SOCIAL MEDIA There are plenty of apps out there that are for websites like Facebook, Twitter or the like. For playgroups facebook is a portal for everyday run of the mill contact. It's wonderful.
Finally I had to put this one in here, because I run my group on Meetup.com. It's called Socializer, and it is strictly for those who are members of meetup.com: organizers and members. It makes quick access to the calendar, updates, etc on the website. I can check the RSVPs from my phone, look up directions to my event, etc. It has been a valueable resource when running my group.
So there you have it! The basic apps for running a group on your smartphone! Happy Organizing!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Moms Group vrs Playgroup
I use the terms Mom's group and Playgroup as interchangeable words. Sometimes it is fitting, but for the most part, they are two different types of groups. Do you know what yours is?
A playgroup is a group of children that come together to play. Usually supervised by a parent or many parents, the playtime can be unstructured or structured or a combination. Play groups are often small, meet at parks, homes, and other public places appealing to children. Most playgroups are designed for preschool age children for social interaction until they reach kindergarten.
A Mother's group is focused on the mother. They do not need to meet with children in tow, but can. Some moms groups provide childcare. I joined a mother's group that called themselves a 'playgroup' and I found it quite silly really. These mothers (most of them with babies) would meet at places like coffee shops, or go for walks in the strollers, or meet for lunch with children in tow or moms night out. Notice there isn't much playing involved.
I tried to argue this with the organizer once, and she insisted her group is a playgroup. I still maintain my argument---a playgroup involves play for the children. On the other hand, I do not believe that a playgroup that offers a moms night out is a mother's group.
Granted you can have a combination. Many national mother's groups are also playgroups or have sub-groups which are playgroups. My group is mostly playgroup, but we do stroller walks, and have mom's night out. We focusing on bring in child care to start a regular mom's morning off.
Because moms groups and playgroups are closely related I am not going to 'forbid' any one of you from calling your playgroup from what you wish. When I first started my playgroup I did NOT want a playgroup. I wanted a mother's group. My first true assistant wanted a playgroup. Playgroups are easier to manage and still cultivate friendships for the parent as well. However, my point is that you need to be clear what you are offering your potential members.
Is it a playgroup?
Is a moms group?
Does your member know the difference?
A playgroup is a group of children that come together to play. Usually supervised by a parent or many parents, the playtime can be unstructured or structured or a combination. Play groups are often small, meet at parks, homes, and other public places appealing to children. Most playgroups are designed for preschool age children for social interaction until they reach kindergarten.
A Mother's group is focused on the mother. They do not need to meet with children in tow, but can. Some moms groups provide childcare. I joined a mother's group that called themselves a 'playgroup' and I found it quite silly really. These mothers (most of them with babies) would meet at places like coffee shops, or go for walks in the strollers, or meet for lunch with children in tow or moms night out. Notice there isn't much playing involved.
I tried to argue this with the organizer once, and she insisted her group is a playgroup. I still maintain my argument---a playgroup involves play for the children. On the other hand, I do not believe that a playgroup that offers a moms night out is a mother's group.
Granted you can have a combination. Many national mother's groups are also playgroups or have sub-groups which are playgroups. My group is mostly playgroup, but we do stroller walks, and have mom's night out. We focusing on bring in child care to start a regular mom's morning off.
Because moms groups and playgroups are closely related I am not going to 'forbid' any one of you from calling your playgroup from what you wish. When I first started my playgroup I did NOT want a playgroup. I wanted a mother's group. My first true assistant wanted a playgroup. Playgroups are easier to manage and still cultivate friendships for the parent as well. However, my point is that you need to be clear what you are offering your potential members.
Is it a playgroup?
Is a moms group?
Does your member know the difference?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Fitted Leaders
I am not the best playgroup organizer. I know I could do so much better than what I do. However, I do know that I was meant to be an organizer. I thoroughly enjoy what I do. It's only natural for me to take on leadership positions in other mom's group as well, but I know my place.
I am an assistant coordinator for my military MOPS group. I love MOPS, but there are some positions in MOPS I could never fit no matter how hard I try. Discussion Group Leaders is one of them.
A Discussion Group Leader manages about 6-10 moms in a subgroup of MOPS. She initiates conversation, mediates it, maintains it, and help cultivate friendships within the intimate group. WAIT A MINUTE! Am I a walking hypocrite?I can organize a mom's group but I can't innate conversation, mediate it, and maintain it? I can't help cultivate friendships? Sure I can. However, I would have to avoid a few strong personalities traits I have.
Sometimes I'm overwhelming. My personality gets to be too much around certain people. In conversations, I tend to dominate it, not nurture it. I know this; and I am working on it; but it's a natural instinct, so I just don't think that I would do as well as others in the position. My Discussion Group Leader in a different MOPS is pretty quiet, she has no problem with letting others have their say. She also is encouraging, and can jump in if the conversation starts to die. She keeps the group balanced. That is a good discussion group leader, and why I would could not do well. I like the spot light too much.
I could never lead a MOPS group either. My assistant coordinator position is the highest I can ever go, because while I am Christian, I am not someone destined to enlighten others. I'm very opinionated when it comes to religion, and MOPs is a Christian organization, but supports mothers of all religions. I know that I could not fulfill the Christian leadership correctly.
So where does lead to? What I am trying to say is that when you are looking for assistants, you need to know first what personalities and qualities that will fit the role. Sometimes it will be easy; like a finance person must be good with numbers, and balancing a budget. However some positions are a little more tricky. So here are come questions you can use to help figure out selecting your playgroup leaders! Happy organizing!
Questions
What is the leaders duties?
What personality traits is best for this?
Who is going to work closely with them?
What experience do they have?
What is the person's strength and weaknesses?
I am an assistant coordinator for my military MOPS group. I love MOPS, but there are some positions in MOPS I could never fit no matter how hard I try. Discussion Group Leaders is one of them.
A Discussion Group Leader manages about 6-10 moms in a subgroup of MOPS. She initiates conversation, mediates it, maintains it, and help cultivate friendships within the intimate group. WAIT A MINUTE! Am I a walking hypocrite?I can organize a mom's group but I can't innate conversation, mediate it, and maintain it? I can't help cultivate friendships? Sure I can. However, I would have to avoid a few strong personalities traits I have.
Sometimes I'm overwhelming. My personality gets to be too much around certain people. In conversations, I tend to dominate it, not nurture it. I know this; and I am working on it; but it's a natural instinct, so I just don't think that I would do as well as others in the position. My Discussion Group Leader in a different MOPS is pretty quiet, she has no problem with letting others have their say. She also is encouraging, and can jump in if the conversation starts to die. She keeps the group balanced. That is a good discussion group leader, and why I would could not do well. I like the spot light too much.
I could never lead a MOPS group either. My assistant coordinator position is the highest I can ever go, because while I am Christian, I am not someone destined to enlighten others. I'm very opinionated when it comes to religion, and MOPs is a Christian organization, but supports mothers of all religions. I know that I could not fulfill the Christian leadership correctly.
So where does lead to? What I am trying to say is that when you are looking for assistants, you need to know first what personalities and qualities that will fit the role. Sometimes it will be easy; like a finance person must be good with numbers, and balancing a budget. However some positions are a little more tricky. So here are come questions you can use to help figure out selecting your playgroup leaders! Happy organizing!
Questions
What is the leaders duties?
What personality traits is best for this?
Who is going to work closely with them?
What experience do they have?
What is the person's strength and weaknesses?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Media and Playgroup Discrimnation
Time for a personal, emotional post. It never crossed my mind that I would EVER want to write about this, but I had an epipheny as I was brushing my teeth last night. This is something that desperately needs to get out there.
It is completely natural to protect our children from threats; but aren't we going a tad bit overboard? I'm not talking about rubbing sanitizer on our hands or even putting on those grocery cart covers. I'm talking about extreme measures we take; like not allowing them to use the public restroom, or play in a community pool because of the possibility of germs.
THIS (not quite) JUST IN: germs are everywhere. Do you know how many germs at in an ER room? You don't avoid taking your child to the ER if they are extrememly sick do you? For your child's sake I hope not. Why is it that our children's phyiscal health so much more important than their mental and emotional health? I'm serious. If you limit your child from participating in fun activities because of germ, you are limiting them from enjoying the life that you strive so hard to preserve.
Media hype tend to send people in a whirlwind frenzy. Even blood relatives did not want to visit with me for fear of getting 'infected' (Since when did I become a walking diease?) Here's where I get rather upset. I was removed from a playgroup (over a year ago now!) because the leader considered me a 'threat'. At the time, I was struggling with relaspes from an infectious diesase. Normally removal is a matter of unreconcible differences, or violating guidelines; which is understandable. This dismisal is completely out of line because;
So here's my bone and I'm gonna pick it. Should we limit who our families interact with because of their health history for 'chance' of becoming infected? Absolutely Not! Ask any doctor, and they will tell you, unless your child is a specail health risk, you are more at risk by going to the grocery store than by playing with someone with a history.
So.....stop freaking out about the latest Media hype. The people being hospitalized for it is only a small percentage, and most of those infected experience a very mild case. If you educate yourself on the symptoms and follow directions to prevent, you shouldn't have a problem. AND If you are really concerned talk to your family doctor-- not the media.
It is completely natural to protect our children from threats; but aren't we going a tad bit overboard? I'm not talking about rubbing sanitizer on our hands or even putting on those grocery cart covers. I'm talking about extreme measures we take; like not allowing them to use the public restroom, or play in a community pool because of the possibility of germs.
THIS (not quite) JUST IN: germs are everywhere. Do you know how many germs at in an ER room? You don't avoid taking your child to the ER if they are extrememly sick do you? For your child's sake I hope not. Why is it that our children's phyiscal health so much more important than their mental and emotional health? I'm serious. If you limit your child from participating in fun activities because of germ, you are limiting them from enjoying the life that you strive so hard to preserve.
Media hype tend to send people in a whirlwind frenzy. Even blood relatives did not want to visit with me for fear of getting 'infected' (Since when did I become a walking diease?) Here's where I get rather upset. I was removed from a playgroup (over a year ago now!) because the leader considered me a 'threat'. At the time, I was struggling with relaspes from an infectious diesase. Normally removal is a matter of unreconcible differences, or violating guidelines; which is understandable. This dismisal is completely out of line because;
- I never attended a playdate if I had an active infection
- I am very good about keeping hands clean and santized
- My household members have been free of infections (at the time) for over a year! (Now it's almost two years! I might also add I am cured, but no--I'm not rejoining that playgroup).
So here's my bone and I'm gonna pick it. Should we limit who our families interact with because of their health history for 'chance' of becoming infected? Absolutely Not! Ask any doctor, and they will tell you, unless your child is a specail health risk, you are more at risk by going to the grocery store than by playing with someone with a history.
So.....stop freaking out about the latest Media hype. The people being hospitalized for it is only a small percentage, and most of those infected experience a very mild case. If you educate yourself on the symptoms and follow directions to prevent, you shouldn't have a problem. AND If you are really concerned talk to your family doctor-- not the media.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Ickie Sickies
It's three a.m. You should be sleeping. Instead you are cleaning, washing, and administering medicine. Yup. Your child is sick. As much as I am sure that you love taking care of your child, there is nothing like the fear of helplessness as you watch your child throw up the rest of dinner. I can't tell you how many times I've gone through the ickie sickies with my children.
Regardless of what anyone says, germs are no more dangerous if they come from a playgroup or from your grocery store. A germ is a germ, no matter where it came from. Breeding grounds of germs should not scare you from attending playdates.
However, control is something you should and can do. Here are tips for keeping your playgroup healthy.
I would do anything to prevent my children from getting sick. Anything.
At playgroups it's essential to make sure it's a healthy environment. Make use of these tips to keep your playgroups healthy.
Implement a Sick Policy
Clean and Sanitize toys if : they have been mouthed, or come in contact with sick children (so if you are hosting and your toys have not been sanitized since the last sickness epidemic, time to haul out the bleach.)
Keep hand sanitizer around. Use after playdates
Have a place for diaper changes.
If food is at the playdate, follow regular precautions. (wash hands, don't let food spoil, etc)
Sick Policy
I do not know many playgroup organizers who do not have a sick policies. Like it or not kids go hand and hand with germs. The written rules differ from group to group, but I've provided mine for an example. I've added my comments in a separate color for more detailed explanation. Share yours with us too!!!
M.A.M.A.
We hate to see our little ones get sick. To keep everyone healthy please stay at home
If you or a child become ill. This can be anything from a fever to just not acting well. I cannot tell you how many times a child wound up being sick at a playdate. Common stories would be "They were fine this morning, or Gosh I didn't know they were sick." Further digging would reveal that the child acting sluggish in the morning, or didn't eat breakfast, acting extra fussy.
Has bodily fluid symptoms. This included, but not limited to vomiting, severe diarrhea, etc. Remember that you do not have to have a fever to be sick. Some moms will ignore the symptom if there is no fever!
Has had a fever above 99 degrees in the past 24 hours. Sometimes a parent will give a child fever reducers like tylenol or motrin, and then see their temp go down, so they think it will be fine to attend the playdate the next morning. Only to find the next morning at the playdate, that the fever is not gone.
Has a contagious disease including but not limited to pink eye, fifth, chicken pox. Please ask a doctor before returning to playgroups. Obviously you can't be sure the parent did this, but it is a nice suggestion.
Regardless of what anyone says, germs are no more dangerous if they come from a playgroup or from your grocery store. A germ is a germ, no matter where it came from. Breeding grounds of germs should not scare you from attending playdates.
However, control is something you should and can do. Here are tips for keeping your playgroup healthy.
- Implement a sick policy and make sure your members know it.
- Block off non-play areas for the children. Sanitze the area before the playdate, and any toys that can be sanitized as well.
- Make sure you have hand sanitizer available, as well as soap and water.
- Wash hands when appropiate
- Keep any foods at apropiate temps.
- Stay educated on current health concerns, and ask a doctor if concerned.
I would do anything to prevent my children from getting sick. Anything.
At playgroups it's essential to make sure it's a healthy environment. Make use of these tips to keep your playgroups healthy.
Implement a Sick Policy
Clean and Sanitize toys if : they have been mouthed, or come in contact with sick children (so if you are hosting and your toys have not been sanitized since the last sickness epidemic, time to haul out the bleach.)
Keep hand sanitizer around. Use after playdates
Have a place for diaper changes.
If food is at the playdate, follow regular precautions. (wash hands, don't let food spoil, etc)
Sick Policy
I do not know many playgroup organizers who do not have a sick policies. Like it or not kids go hand and hand with germs. The written rules differ from group to group, but I've provided mine for an example. I've added my comments in a separate color for more detailed explanation. Share yours with us too!!!
M.A.M.A.
We hate to see our little ones get sick. To keep everyone healthy please stay at home
If you or a child become ill. This can be anything from a fever to just not acting well. I cannot tell you how many times a child wound up being sick at a playdate. Common stories would be "They were fine this morning, or Gosh I didn't know they were sick." Further digging would reveal that the child acting sluggish in the morning, or didn't eat breakfast, acting extra fussy.
Has bodily fluid symptoms. This included, but not limited to vomiting, severe diarrhea, etc. Remember that you do not have to have a fever to be sick. Some moms will ignore the symptom if there is no fever!
Has had a fever above 99 degrees in the past 24 hours. Sometimes a parent will give a child fever reducers like tylenol or motrin, and then see their temp go down, so they think it will be fine to attend the playdate the next morning. Only to find the next morning at the playdate, that the fever is not gone.
Has a contagious disease including but not limited to pink eye, fifth, chicken pox. Please ask a doctor before returning to playgroups. Obviously you can't be sure the parent did this, but it is a nice suggestion.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Pizazz Your Playgroup
Giving your Playgroup a bit of pizazz
Sometimes a playgroup meeting regularly for the same activities can become very routine. In fact it can even put you in a rut. Members may start to lose interest, or the group may lose some enthusiasm. But never fear! There are plenty of things you can do to add a bit of pizazz to your playgroup.
•Theme
Your playgroups don't have to be just 'come over and play'! Add a theme!! It could be something simple from doing a 'teddy bear picnic', where children bring a teddy bear and mom brings a picnic item and everyone meets at a local park. Or it can be a full scale Luau themed party! It's all up to you!
•Food
Food is something anyone cannot do without. When it's good food, it attracts a great social atmosphere. Instead of supplying a regular snack, consider having a potluck for 'best or famous recipes'. Everyone loves to have people rave about their dishes, and everyone loves to indulge once and while.
•Activities
Structured Activities are appealing to parents and preschoolers. Children learn through play. By giving them an unusual activity in a group setting, you are giving the opportunity to learn in a group environment. Preschoolers would be thrilled with making craft projects, learning to play rhythms on instruments, etc. However, these activities may be a bit advanced for an infant or toddler. Remember-- It doesn't have to be complicated!!!! You can make a fun activity just out of old (but clean) adult socks. For example, Toddlers love learning how to dress themselves. Large socks makes it easy for them to get their feet into. They are learning an important skill, while getting enjoyment out of playing with mommy and daddy's socks. For Preschoolers, who are learning to group things in categories, you have them separate them from darks and lights, or match pairs of socks together!
Here are some more ideas for activities for you playgroups:
Circle time activities
Parachutes games
playing with puppets
dress up
sensory play (i.e. play dough, silly putty, sand)
•Places
Do you remember the excitement of riding in the car on the way to zoo when you were a child? Was there a special place that your parent's or your school would make a trip to? There are alot of local attractions just waiting to be visited! Your playgroups do not have to be limited to your home! Check your phone book under the categories Attractions, or Children's or Entertainment , and you may stumble on local resources you didn't know about. Ask around from your members about fun places they go. Then call and ask the facility about having an event there! Things you'll need to know:
◦The capacity of the space if you will be secluded to one room
◦The price of admission, parking, etc.
◦Discounts if they are available
◦Operation days and hours
◦Ask about having a private play date at the facility
◦If food is allowed
◦What you are required/ or suggested to bring
Once you have a good idea about the venue, plan your event. You may want to coordinate it with the facility. By doing so, you can avoid a lot of potential problems. Some of the most common problems are
Keeping in Contact with your venue is always a good idea. Here are the suggested tips for corresponding with your venue:
Sometimes a playgroup meeting regularly for the same activities can become very routine. In fact it can even put you in a rut. Members may start to lose interest, or the group may lose some enthusiasm. But never fear! There are plenty of things you can do to add a bit of pizazz to your playgroup.
•Theme
Your playgroups don't have to be just 'come over and play'! Add a theme!! It could be something simple from doing a 'teddy bear picnic', where children bring a teddy bear and mom brings a picnic item and everyone meets at a local park. Or it can be a full scale Luau themed party! It's all up to you!
•Food
Food is something anyone cannot do without. When it's good food, it attracts a great social atmosphere. Instead of supplying a regular snack, consider having a potluck for 'best or famous recipes'. Everyone loves to have people rave about their dishes, and everyone loves to indulge once and while.
•Activities
Structured Activities are appealing to parents and preschoolers. Children learn through play. By giving them an unusual activity in a group setting, you are giving the opportunity to learn in a group environment. Preschoolers would be thrilled with making craft projects, learning to play rhythms on instruments, etc. However, these activities may be a bit advanced for an infant or toddler. Remember-- It doesn't have to be complicated!!!! You can make a fun activity just out of old (but clean) adult socks. For example, Toddlers love learning how to dress themselves. Large socks makes it easy for them to get their feet into. They are learning an important skill, while getting enjoyment out of playing with mommy and daddy's socks. For Preschoolers, who are learning to group things in categories, you have them separate them from darks and lights, or match pairs of socks together!
Here are some more ideas for activities for you playgroups:
Circle time activities
Parachutes games
playing with puppets
dress up
sensory play (i.e. play dough, silly putty, sand)
•Places
Do you remember the excitement of riding in the car on the way to zoo when you were a child? Was there a special place that your parent's or your school would make a trip to? There are alot of local attractions just waiting to be visited! Your playgroups do not have to be limited to your home! Check your phone book under the categories Attractions, or Children's or Entertainment , and you may stumble on local resources you didn't know about. Ask around from your members about fun places they go. Then call and ask the facility about having an event there! Things you'll need to know:
◦The capacity of the space if you will be secluded to one room
◦The price of admission, parking, etc.
◦Discounts if they are available
◦Operation days and hours
◦Ask about having a private play date at the facility
◦If food is allowed
◦What you are required/ or suggested to bring
Once you have a good idea about the venue, plan your event. You may want to coordinate it with the facility. By doing so, you can avoid a lot of potential problems. Some of the most common problems are
- members getting lost or not finding the group
- the staff of the facility being unprepared for the extra boost in attendance that day
- the facility being closed due to operation changes, weather, or high attendance (facility gets filled)
Keeping in Contact with your venue is always a good idea. Here are the suggested tips for corresponding with your venue:
- When first approaching a new venue, tell them about your group, who you are, your experience, and then your interest in their service. Ask them the necessary questions.
- Let them know about your first event with them, even if you don't have to reserve space. Just in case you happen to have another group meeting there too.
- A week before the event call and give them a reminder and estimate how many will come.
- The day before, do a confirmation call and tell them the final head count.
- A week after, thank them for the event and try to schedule your next one if interested.
- Once a quarter, double check with the venues information (ie. open and close times, prices, etc)
Monday, September 6, 2010
Dividing the Group
If your group is significantly large, you may consider seperating the groups by age, location, or other classifications that seem logical and unbiased. Seperating does mean the group cannot ever meet as a whole, but will give a chance for moms and kids to get to know some regular faces.
Seperating by age is a good choice for moms looking to meet a specific child's age group. You can divide the groups into non-mobile, wobblers, toddlers, and preschoolers. Many groups that divide groups up name their groups by categories of something else, uniting them with a common theme. For example, a group may classify this way:
Rainbow Playgroup
Red group: All ages
Organe group: non mobile babies
Yellow group: crawlers
Green group: Wobblers
Blue Group: Toddlers
Purple Group: Preschool
You can use all sorts of categories like fruit or vegetables, animals, art, etc. Details can even be divided further if the group is very large. You can have a birdie playgroup and divide groups by naming different categories of birds. Then further divide by age (Hatchlings, younglings, waddlers, flyers, etc).
Dividing by location is a bit tricky, but the easiest way is to seperate by zip code (if you are in the U.S.).
Make sure when you divide into groups that each group has a leader; someone to take care of things if you do not fall into the category. If your group starts to decrease in size you can also eliminate groups as well. If there is was thing that is true all groups change with time. When organizers adapt to those changes the group will thrive. Keep up on toes, and you'll never miss a beat! Happy Organizing!
Seperating by age is a good choice for moms looking to meet a specific child's age group. You can divide the groups into non-mobile, wobblers, toddlers, and preschoolers. Many groups that divide groups up name their groups by categories of something else, uniting them with a common theme. For example, a group may classify this way:
Rainbow Playgroup
Red group: All ages
Organe group: non mobile babies
Yellow group: crawlers
Green group: Wobblers
Blue Group: Toddlers
Purple Group: Preschool
You can use all sorts of categories like fruit or vegetables, animals, art, etc. Details can even be divided further if the group is very large. You can have a birdie playgroup and divide groups by naming different categories of birds. Then further divide by age (Hatchlings, younglings, waddlers, flyers, etc).
Dividing by location is a bit tricky, but the easiest way is to seperate by zip code (if you are in the U.S.).
Make sure when you divide into groups that each group has a leader; someone to take care of things if you do not fall into the category. If your group starts to decrease in size you can also eliminate groups as well. If there is was thing that is true all groups change with time. When organizers adapt to those changes the group will thrive. Keep up on toes, and you'll never miss a beat! Happy Organizing!
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