A bit of news to keep you in the know about things happening with Multiples of America. Be sure to check out the quiz at the bottom for your chance to win a gift card!
 
A Winner!
55 members emailed their answers to the January quiz. Everyone who joined in the fun was entered into the drawing. Winner of the gift card drawing was Kelly Heslip, Brazos Valley Mothers of Twins Clubs (TX).
 
Board News
The board is working with our volunteers to deliver the services and benefits you enjoy from year to year as well as develop new initiatives focused on support and connection.
• The March Zoom Connect, scheduled for Wed., March 8, 7:30 p.m., is focused on building membership and leadership in your club. We will find out how some superstar clubs are tackling these challenges, and we’ll have time for sharing and networking. Reserve your spot today at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/zoom-connects/
• The Research and Membership Development department has been reaching out to some MOMs who have contacted the Executive Office looking for information on starting a new club, and checking in with affiliate members. They are just an email away with individualized support and suggestions for any club. Contact Gwen Shogren at research@multiplesofamerica.org
• The Communications and Marketing Department is working on developing some new videos highlighting the support offered through Multiples of America and our member clubs. Taping a video doesn’t take any special equipment; a cell phone will do. If you or your club would like to join in, contact Claudia Contreras at marketing@multiplesofamerica.org
• The Board of Directors is completing our annual midterm meetings. The meetings are held over zoom and will span several days/evenings. We will be discussing current projects in process, as well as continuation and long-term planning.
 
Multiples Across America Virtual Walk/Run
We are hosting another Multiples Across America virtual run/walk during April as a part of our Multiple Birth Awareness month activities. This year, participants will be ready to “Dream BIG…One Step at a Time.” In fact, each step is not just about personal dreams, every stride also helps to raise awareness about the support available for multiple birth parents and their children, and contributes to the work of our organization.
 
It’s a virtual, as you like it, run.
• You can walk/run…anytime and anywhere during the month of April.
• You can decide on a 1K or 5K.
• You can complete your course all in one race/walk or over multiple days.
Registration is only $25.00 and includes a t-shirt (shipping additional). Registration opens March 1: https://multiplesofamerica.org/multiple_birth_awareness/
 
New Research Study
We are assisting Dr. Nancy Segal from California State University with making connections for a research study. The study, which will be featured as a part of a new book, focuses on the unique experiences of multiples (and their non-multiple siblings) born to mixed-background couples. As Dr. Segal notes, no one has conducted a formal study for these multiples who seem to come from different ethnic backgrounds. Dr. Segal’s study will look at the multiples’ experiences at home, in school and in the community, and the special challenges of the parents who raise them. She is looking to increase understanding of these families so we can better support them in the future. Dr. Segal wants to connect with these multiples, their non-twin siblings, and parents. She will interview survey participants in person or by zoom. Find out more about Dr. Segal’s project on our website at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/segal_research/ , or email Dr. Segal directly at: nsegal@fullerton.edu
 
Multiple Connections
Looking for some quick reads? Try our January issue of Multiples Connections. In keeping with our convention theme, there are articles about Dreams that begin with ‘Why Not?’, Resolution Realities, and Chester County MOMs (PA) Work to Restore a Dream. There’s also information about a Nassau County POMC (NY) fundraiser. Check out the entire issue in the Members Only section: https://multiplesofamerica.org/multipleconnections/
 
Special Fund Grant for Member Clubs
Could your club use a few extra dollars to fund a special project? Multiples of America is pleased to announce that we are ready to help make that dream a reality through a 2023 Special Fund Grant opportunity for our member clubs. This special fund grant competition, which is administered by the EDGE Committee, is now open. The grant offers funds for new or expanded projects that are created or directed by member clubs. Proposals for up to $500.00 can be submitted through May 31, 2023. Further information and a grant application can be downloaded from the Members Only section of the website: https://multiplesofamerica.org/specialfundgrant/
 
Convention News
Our 2023 annual meeting is a time to “Dream BIG” about our organization and how we can help clubs and national grow stronger. We’re planning lots of learning, networking, and fun opportunities (along with our business meetings) when we meet at the Drury Plaza Hotel – Disney Springs in Orlando, FL, July 27-29. The link for hotel reservations opened during the first week of February. Find more information about hotel costs and perks, like free breakfast and “kickback” snacks every day, on the website at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/2023_annualconvention/ 
Rooms are going fast, so be sure to reserve your place soon. We’ll have a schedule of activities ready to share next month.
 
In Search of…Convention Sponsors
Know of a business or individual who would like to sponsor a portion of convention?
Download and share our sponsor brochure:
https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ConventionSponsorBrochureFINAL.2.pdf
Then contact Events Vice President Kim Simonich at events@multiplesofamerica.org
 
Add On Members
A special thanks to clubs who have been sending in their add on members. If you have added members to your club since your initial renewal, please let us know so we can add their names and emails to our list. Without that information, those members will not receive email communications sent to all members, such as Multiple Connections and this monthly “special delivery.” To add on members after your initial renewal, email a spreadsheet of your new and/or renewing members to info@multiplesofamerica.org and use our PayPal option at the following URL to remit payment of $15.00 per person. https://multiplesofamerica.org/add-on/ Questions about that process? Let us know.
 
Watch for This
Our website is growing and changing almost daily. Check out this updated item:
• The February press release shares the news about our 2023 annual meeting, https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Feb.-Press-Release-2023-Convention-FINAL.pdf
• A Multiple Birth Awareness (MBA) Month toolkit is available for download. The toolkit is a resource for member clubs in planning activities for the month of April when we work to raise awareness about multiple birth parenting nationwide. The toolkit also has a letter to send to state legislators asking them to recognize the month with a proclamation. Check out the toolkit at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023MBA_Toolkit.pdf
 
Local Clubs Finding Ways To Give Back, Have Fun, and Raise Funds
Multiple Connections (MN) is organizing a collection drive for Second Stork, a charity that partners with hospitals to distribute essential infant-care items to families in need when their newborn is discharged.
 
South Florida Mothers of Multiples (FL) held a family event at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach in December! They did science experiments, nibbled on fresh fruit and pastries, dug in the sand for shark teeth, and even petted an alligator.
 
The Woodlands Mothers of Multiples (TX) is holding a Texas Axe Throwing fundraiser in March. They are soliciting sponsors for the event, plus holding a silent auction.
 
Take a Quiz
The theme of this year’s convention is “Dream BIG.” Good advice whether or not you’re making plans to join us in Orlando. In fact, Carl Sandburg, the poet, advised, “Nothing happens unless first we dream.”
 
Many others (some of them quite famous) have written about the power of dreaming BIG. This month’s quiz is a challenge to fill in the blank and complete some of those dream catchphrases.
 

1. Walt Disney, the ultimate dreamer, shared “If you can dream it, you can ______________.”

                a. reach for the stars.
                b. do it.
                c. build a theme park.
                d. become anything you want to be.
 

2. Paul Valery advised, “The best way to make your dreams come true is to _____________.”

                a. get to work.
                b. grab a friend to help.
                c. wake up.
                d. write them down.
 

3. Albert Einstein believed, “The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one ________.”

                a. with a library of books.
                b. who understands physics.
                c.  who is famous.
                d. with all the facts.
 

4. Annette White, a blogger and author, notes, “_________________ is an invitation to dream bigger.”

                a. A bucket list
                b. A romance novel
                c. A winning lottery ticket
                d. A good friend
 

5. A song in Disney’s Cinderella reminds us that, “A dream is a wish ____________.”

                a. upon a star.
                b. your heart makes.
                c. just around the riverbend.
                d. to a whole new world.
 
How many do you think you got correct? Email me your answers at president@multiplesofamerica.org
Those who join in the fun will have their name entered into a drawing for a gift card!
 
Send Your Ideas/Share Your Stories
I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what questions you have about any of these items or other services provided by Multiples of America. Share some news about your club: its successes or challenges. Contact me at president@multiplesofamerica.org