As much as I would like to share my secrets of succesful organizing, I have an ugly shelfish side. I really do NOT want to share this book with anyone. I cannot tell you how many times I've opened this book.... ok, ok. Enough taunting.
Anyone who even thinks about setting up a playgroup needs The Ultamite Stay At Home Mom's Guide to Playgroups by Carren Joye. It's just a no-brainer. If you look at all the Mom's groups books in bookstores, you'll find very few: this is the best choice.
The other books do not cover the organizing side of playgroups as well. Plain and Simple. You can find many books on activities for children under kindergarten age it's ridiculous. Many 'playgroup' books take these ideas, throw them together, and call it by that name. It may breifly talk about running groups, or whatnot, but it does not go into details. Carren's book is the most detailed book out there.
However; I do have complaints. It doesn't really touch enough on drama. Perhaps that is because Carren's playgroups never reached the multitude that online playgroups are. Perhaps, I and my fellow organizers that I've met so far, are just drama-mamas.
Nevertheless, it's a good jumping off book. I just hope that you still have questions afterward to relay to me!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Just can't say no.
I have a real soft spot for playgroups. I am a marshmallow for military wives who have young children. Last July on of members posted a link on facebook that the air force base MOPS needed coordinators. I just could not say no! Despite my insanely active playgroup, I have decided to dedicate my Thursdays to Fairchild AFB MOPS.
My husband is a military man- This summer he will reach his twenty years of service and hopefully retire. I am proud to say I know the ins and outs of the base procedures, and how Tricare (health insurance) works, and whatnot. I know what TDY stands for and what a BOP is, etc. etc. etc. But the thing I treasure the most about the military is the strong men and women and children, and what give to us.
If I have the opportunity to support them I will. It's just one more piece of broccoli, right?
My husband is a military man- This summer he will reach his twenty years of service and hopefully retire. I am proud to say I know the ins and outs of the base procedures, and how Tricare (health insurance) works, and whatnot. I know what TDY stands for and what a BOP is, etc. etc. etc. But the thing I treasure the most about the military is the strong men and women and children, and what give to us.
If I have the opportunity to support them I will. It's just one more piece of broccoli, right?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Warning! Your kids will grow up!
My personal pet peeve of playgroup leaders is designing a playgroup that they will grow out of in a few years. Some may natural grow into changes, but if the group continues to recruit members overtime, eventually your children will outgrow your own playgroup!
I absolutely HATE to see a group labeled "for mothers of babies under a year" or "for the age of two". News Flash; One year goes by quickly as a mother. I mean, come on; it's ridiculous to work hard building a group you will be forced to abandon the following year.
My playgroups are all inclusive ages, provided the mother has one child under five years old. My daughter started kindergarten this year, but I still have two more, and it will be another five years until all of my children graduate from the group.
The other day I sat down to do planning for the fall calendar and I began to roughly layout our field trips. Working the trips around my kindergartner's schedule is a little difficult. I became very sad when I realized that many of the things we have planned for the playgroup she won't be able to attend.
Then I slapped my hand on my head!
Gah! I've done the same thing I complain about in other organizers! My child is outgrowing the playgroup! Not that it is a bad thing. LOL. In any case, I am seriously considering the age limits to be "born in 2005 or under" or "between 2005-2010 and their respective siblings".--that way we never grow out of it. Lame. I know.
So I wanted to give a shout out to all you playgroup leaders who have age limits on your playgroups. Reality check; When your child or you outgrow the playgroup: Are you going to let it go?
I absolutely HATE to see a group labeled "for mothers of babies under a year" or "for the age of two". News Flash; One year goes by quickly as a mother. I mean, come on; it's ridiculous to work hard building a group you will be forced to abandon the following year.
My playgroups are all inclusive ages, provided the mother has one child under five years old. My daughter started kindergarten this year, but I still have two more, and it will be another five years until all of my children graduate from the group.
The other day I sat down to do planning for the fall calendar and I began to roughly layout our field trips. Working the trips around my kindergartner's schedule is a little difficult. I became very sad when I realized that many of the things we have planned for the playgroup she won't be able to attend.
Then I slapped my hand on my head!
Gah! I've done the same thing I complain about in other organizers! My child is outgrowing the playgroup! Not that it is a bad thing. LOL. In any case, I am seriously considering the age limits to be "born in 2005 or under" or "between 2005-2010 and their respective siblings".--that way we never grow out of it. Lame. I know.
So I wanted to give a shout out to all you playgroup leaders who have age limits on your playgroups. Reality check; When your child or you outgrow the playgroup: Are you going to let it go?
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!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Finding Members for your group Online
The biggest problem for many groups, especially groups that are small or just starting out, is enrolling members. How does one find others like his or herself? Without a clue about Marketing or Advertising, I gave it my all, and I can say from experience that for any social group word of mouth produces the best results (We'll cover that later!).
But for argument's sake, let's assume that you have no one to spread the word. So what do you do?
First you have to make your group visible. Get your group's website an individual address. Godaddy is the provider I use; it's not expensive, and not too hard to figure out how to link it. Submit your website to search engines like Google, and Yahoo.
Now the real work begins. Start linking your web address to other high visibility websites. Find blogs that on remotely relating to your group, and see if they accept guest bloggers. Write articles for some article websites like ezarticles and put the link to your group in the signature. This will strengthen your visibility on search engines.
Let's realize that the Internet is our friend. Although it can be a risky place to put information, organizers can control the amount of information released. It can be as simple as an advertisement of a playgroup, simply stating, please write to this email if interested. Then these responses can be collected and emailed more information or a phone number to call.
If advertising online, there are many approaches to doing so.
Social Media.
It's the new wave of advertising word of mouth. Social Media has even been accused of out-doing google ads, the top online provider in advertisement. Something as simple as starting a facebook fanpage or twitter account can roll out some new members. Just be sure to keep your followers updated on all the cool stuff your group does!
Online Classifieds
More places to advertise items for free are popping up. Craigslist has a place designated for groups specifically, but you may find free classifieds on your local newspapers/station's websites.
Online Groups
Online groups are becoming a major part of online social activity. Many places like google or yahoo allow anyone with an account to start one. Facebook and Meetup.com also do any type of social group you might be looking to start.
For playgroups specifically check out these sites:
cafemom.com
iplaygroups.com
raisingthem.com
socialtoddler.com
playgroupsusa.com
A word about invite etiquette
I am a big supporter of 'the more the merrier' and 'everyone's invited' attitude. However, inviting members of other groups to join yours may be offensive to other group organizers. Remember that they have worked to get the amount of members they have, and there is a possibility that they will see an innocent invite as an indication that his or her group is not 'good enough'.
If you intend to invite members from another group, ask the organizer his or her feelings first. Make sure that when you invite members that you keep your main intentions of joining that group to participate, and not simply solicit your own group.
But for argument's sake, let's assume that you have no one to spread the word. So what do you do?
First you have to make your group visible. Get your group's website an individual address. Godaddy is the provider I use; it's not expensive, and not too hard to figure out how to link it. Submit your website to search engines like Google, and Yahoo.
Now the real work begins. Start linking your web address to other high visibility websites. Find blogs that on remotely relating to your group, and see if they accept guest bloggers. Write articles for some article websites like ezarticles and put the link to your group in the signature. This will strengthen your visibility on search engines.
Let's realize that the Internet is our friend. Although it can be a risky place to put information, organizers can control the amount of information released. It can be as simple as an advertisement of a playgroup, simply stating, please write to this email if interested. Then these responses can be collected and emailed more information or a phone number to call.
If advertising online, there are many approaches to doing so.
Social Media.
It's the new wave of advertising word of mouth. Social Media has even been accused of out-doing google ads, the top online provider in advertisement. Something as simple as starting a facebook fanpage or twitter account can roll out some new members. Just be sure to keep your followers updated on all the cool stuff your group does!
Online Classifieds
More places to advertise items for free are popping up. Craigslist has a place designated for groups specifically, but you may find free classifieds on your local newspapers/station's websites.
Online Groups
Online groups are becoming a major part of online social activity. Many places like google or yahoo allow anyone with an account to start one. Facebook and Meetup.com also do any type of social group you might be looking to start.
For playgroups specifically check out these sites:
cafemom.com
iplaygroups.com
raisingthem.com
socialtoddler.com
playgroupsusa.com
A word about invite etiquette
I am a big supporter of 'the more the merrier' and 'everyone's invited' attitude. However, inviting members of other groups to join yours may be offensive to other group organizers. Remember that they have worked to get the amount of members they have, and there is a possibility that they will see an innocent invite as an indication that his or her group is not 'good enough'.
If you intend to invite members from another group, ask the organizer his or her feelings first. Make sure that when you invite members that you keep your main intentions of joining that group to participate, and not simply solicit your own group.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Closer Look; Cafe Mom
Cafe Mom is a website bringing moms together. It's main purpose is not to support groups; however this is the part I would like to write about. Cafe mom allows it's members to create groups for free. They can be local, or virtual. The nice thing is they can be made private so there is no risk there.
Setting up a group event is easy. One thing I like is the category it will list for your event. You can set it to 'virtual' or 'in person' or 'playdate', etc. It allows you to set the date, and start and end time and address. Once posted, an RSVP and comment tracker is on the event page. I personally do not like the fact that members can RSVP maybe.
The site will also have forums, chat, photos albums, and a member list. Administration tools allow the organizer to select privacy, invite people via friend's email, and members of cafe mom that you have already befriended.
The one thing that I LOVE about cafe mom is the support group they have for administers. You have to join the group, but they have topics about getting your group to grow, and how to handle certain situations. Support is the number one thing that keeps the organizer going. It is such a valuable thing to have.
The main reason why I don't organize religiously on cafemom is because it is a free website. I know, sounds like I'm backward. Since the website is free the website's income in generated from advertisements. It really clogs up the screen page, and plenty of them are animated at that!
Another thing is cafemom's groups do not have high visibility on search engines. While cafemom does come up frequently in searches, there is still a difficultly for new members to find your group. Like I said before, cafemom is not just about groups. If one makes their way to the group section, I don't think they will spend enough time on the section to find the group.
OK. Let's wrap this up. Here is a list of pros and cons.
PROS
Setting up a group event is easy. One thing I like is the category it will list for your event. You can set it to 'virtual' or 'in person' or 'playdate', etc. It allows you to set the date, and start and end time and address. Once posted, an RSVP and comment tracker is on the event page. I personally do not like the fact that members can RSVP maybe.
The site will also have forums, chat, photos albums, and a member list. Administration tools allow the organizer to select privacy, invite people via friend's email, and members of cafe mom that you have already befriended.
The one thing that I LOVE about cafe mom is the support group they have for administers. You have to join the group, but they have topics about getting your group to grow, and how to handle certain situations. Support is the number one thing that keeps the organizer going. It is such a valuable thing to have.
The main reason why I don't organize religiously on cafemom is because it is a free website. I know, sounds like I'm backward. Since the website is free the website's income in generated from advertisements. It really clogs up the screen page, and plenty of them are animated at that!
Another thing is cafemom's groups do not have high visibility on search engines. While cafemom does come up frequently in searches, there is still a difficultly for new members to find your group. Like I said before, cafemom is not just about groups. If one makes their way to the group section, I don't think they will spend enough time on the section to find the group.
OK. Let's wrap this up. Here is a list of pros and cons.
PROS
- It's free
- Easy event management
- has online communication abilities
- ads
- low visibility
- not specifically met for groups
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Not a typical Storytime!
I can not tell you, how much I hate storytimes! For the parent of a wildly active child (like myself), you add a free spririted child, one large empty room, and an inexperienced (or uneducated) storytime volunteer it becomes madness. They just can't keep your child interested the entire 20 mintues or half an hour. However depsite my personal feelings about storytime, they are a great staple to attend with playgroups. Barnes and Noble in particular.
At some locations, Barnes and Noble includes a costume character once a month (locations may vary). For me the costume character is a perk because I love pictures. The whole idea reminds me of Disneyland in a way.
Before you jump on your calendars to start planning your first playgroup trip, take these tips into considration.
At some locations, Barnes and Noble includes a costume character once a month (locations may vary). For me the costume character is a perk because I love pictures. The whole idea reminds me of Disneyland in a way.
Before you jump on your calendars to start planning your first playgroup trip, take these tips into considration.
- Call ahead; you might be able to plan a specail one just for your group
- Advise the staff that ages of your children's ages and tolerance. (a bunch of two year olds are not going to sit and listen to stories with three or more full sentences on each page)
- Make sure your members are aware of the enviroment. This is a sit down activity, and some (who have wildly active children) may not realize how much work it will be for them
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