Back to MOPS

By Amanda Dreher, Associate Director of Leadership

Driving through my neighborhood this morning I noticed the children playing in a nearby driveway, backpacks strewn about, while a mother sat on the front porch watching over the bunch and waiting for the school bus to arrive. Although I know I will soon be the mother who patiently waits to herd my kids onto the school bus in the morning, my children are not yet old enough for fall to mean “Back to School.” For us fall is “Back to MOPS.”

The beginning of fall is an exciting time as we MOPS moms and leaders are fast approaching our first MOPS meeting. This is my favorite time of the MOPS year. It is when we finally get to move out of the planning stage and into the doing, when we get to catch up with friends in our MOPS group we might not have seen in a couple of months and when we get to start meeting new moms who are coming to MOPS for the first time.

In the midst of the excitement there are usually also many new questions that come up. Here are a few tips and resources to help you make the most of your “Back to MOPS” adventure. You will need your MOPS Guide Login to access these links.

• Registering moms:  This year registering the moms in your group for MOPS International Membership is easier than ever. Click here to register your moms. Once registered each mom will receive:
• MomSense Magazine
• Mom-E-Mail
• MOPS logo reusable shopping bag
• MOPS bumper sticker
• No Mom Alone 2-in-1 frame magnet
• MOPS bag tag
• Inviting new moms: There are many resources to help you invite new moms to be a part of your MOPS group. On the MOPS leaders website there are templates for personalized brochures, publicity ideas & Invite-A-Mom cards. Be sure to check out the idea center to find and share ideas with other leaders.
  
  
•  Connecting with moms:  As you begin your year, remember that one way moms will feel connected to each other and to the group is through their Discussion Groups. Now is the time to make them feel welcome and included. Check out some of the resources for  Discussion Group Leaders help you set the tone for your group.

Welcome New Groups

We'd like to welcome two new groups to our area. Cielo Vista & Del Sol both from El Paso. We're glad to have you!!!!

Welcome

This is the place where the MOPS leaders in Northwest Texas can get information on area events, download area newsletters, network with other groups and more.

We also plan to have a Facebook page created by the end of September. We will invite all the leaders and there you can privately share pictures, ideas, etc.

Networking our groups together will help us all create stronger groups. If you have any questions, please let Leah (Community Networker) or Amy (Community Coach) know.

Who we are: MOPS International is here to come alongside mothers of preschoolers to encourage, equip and develop them to be the best moms possible

What Does a MOPS Group Look Like? A MOPS group is a dynamic, inviting environment where women can come - just as they are - to build friendships, be encouraged and gain practical parenting strategies. Every group is different depending on a variety of things. There is no cookie cutter idea of what a MOPS group has to be. Whether the group meets in the morning or evening, at a cafe or church, prison, school, or home we invite EVERY mother of preschooler. Whether there are 5, 15, 0r 50 women - MOPS is for every mother of a preschooler (pregnancy through kindergarten). We encourage groups to outreach to that "every" MOPS.

Why start a MOPS group? Because MOPS meets moms' needs. MOPS is unique in its specific focus on mothers of preschoolers and understanding the needs of these critical years. MOPS has developed a relational program designed to meet those needs.

Because MOPS is for every mother of preschoolers. MOPS is an open door to every community. It successfully meets the needs of both churched and unchurched moms, in urban centers or rural towns, moms of every age, ethnic background and lifestyle.

Because MOPS grows leaders. MOPS provides a place for women to grow as leaders by working with one another. With leadership resources provided by MOPS International and a team atmosphere to work in, mothers are encouraged to take an active role in their group.

How to start a MOPS group: Go to http://www.mops.org/ to read more and to request information.