Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What towns are the members from?
A: The Assabet Valley Chapter includes (but
is not limited to) the following towns:
Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Clinton, Northboro, Grafton, Hudson, Lancaster,
Marlboro, Southboro, Shrewsbury, Stow,
Westboro, West Boylston, Worcester.
If you live outside our area, you may want
to find a chapter closer to home. Click to
find a local
chapter, or visit one of the other Massachusetts chapters below:
Framingham Area
Merrimac Valley
Metro West
Q: What is a
typical member like?
A: A survey of members
across the country gave
us these statistics: a typical member is 34 years old and has two
children, 84% of members have college degrees or higher and 34% work at least
part-time for pay. Our members are intelligent, talented, and resourceful
women. Some are full-time at-home mothers. Others are employed, whether
part-time outside or in the home, or in home based businesses. Some members work
for pay in full-time jobs. Our membership
diversity gives you an opportunity to learn/bond with women at different stages
of motherhood and work-life decisions. However, all moms are welcome, and
we love to have different perspectives on mothering and life in general.
So, even if you don't feel like our "typical member" (plenty of members don't!) - give us a try!
Q: There is
so much to do in this chapter! Who does it all?
A: Our member volunteers! And
we offer you the chance to keep your work skills current and acquire new ones by
volunteering your time and talent to any of our areas. Volunteering can meet
personal fulfillment needs without the time and place demands made in the paid
work environment. For a list of volunteer opportunities just ask the chapter
president or vice president.
Q: How often do I need to attend?
A: One of the great things about membership in our organization is that
you participate at whatever level works for you at that moment. There are groups
for lots of different interests. We hope that many appeal to you and that you
take time for yourself and taking full advantage of your membership. But we're
moms too and we understand that sometimes you're away, busy, sick, or busy
taking care of sick kids while your husband's away. We never take attendance
and you're never required to attend anything. (In fact, even when you can't
leave your house, our email lists will make sure you're still getting support!)
So if you're worried that your calendar can't handle another obligation, don't.
Q: If I
relocate what will happen to my membership?
A:
As an international organization, we offer you the opportunity to transfer your
membership to any of our more than 180 chapters in the United States and abroad.
See the National website for the map that can link you to chapters all over the
country.
Q: What is sequencing?
A:
Mothers & More represents women who – by choice or circumstance – alter their
participation in the paid workplace over the course of their active parenting
years. We recognize the needs of the growing number of mothers who move in and
out of paid employment and/or opt for a variety of flexible work arrangements in
order to successfully balance their work and family responsibilities. This fluid
work pattern, which occurs over a number of years and at various stages of
motherhood, is known as “sequencing.” The term sequencing was coined by Arlene Rossen Cardozo in her 1986 book, Sequencing.
Q: What is Helping Hands?
A: Helping Hands is a committee within our chapter that exists to help
members who need it. Most often, it means bringing meals to moms who have
just had new babies, adopted a new child, have had surgery, are ill, or have had
a death in the family. It can also include arranging for moms who
desperately need a friendly visit, need to have some errands run or some other
help as the situation demands. If you need help for whatever reason,
please contact our helping hands coordinator - she can keep the reason for your
request confidential if you need that. And if you are willing to be one of
many volunteers, please make sure our Helping Hands coordinator has your name
and number in her file. You are typically asked to help out about two or
three times a year - many hands lighten the load for all of us!
Q: How do I
join a playgroup?
A: Playgroups are offered for our members only, so once you join, be sure
to contact the playgroup coordinator and she will work to fit you into a
playgroup. Usually, playgroups are made up of 4 - 6 mothers with children
in the same age range and meet at members' homes. Some playgroups have
been in existence for a while - some are brand new. Playgroups are
re-organized every September, January and June. Even if your child is too
young to play very much, playgroups are a great way to connect with other moms,
make great friends, and share parenting woes, joys, and puzzles. Plus,
it's an excuse to clean up the clutter once a month when it's your turn to host!
There is also a monthly playgroup specifically for new members so that you can
get your questions about the group answered and get to know people.
