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!
63 members emailed their answers to the February quiz. A perfect score is not the aim; everyone who joins in the fun is entered into the drawing. The answers to the February quiz are brief bits of wisdom from Muhammad Ali, a world champion boxer and philanthropist who made his home in Louisville, KY. Ali was a father to nine children, including a set of twins, Jamilla and Rasheda, both now known for their work in media and other areas. Answers to the quiz are:

It isn’t the mountains ahead that wear you down. It’s the pebble in your shoe.        

Don’t count the days. Make the days count.        

Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion.       

A man who has no imagination has no wings.

If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.  

Winner of the gift card drawing was Lauren Plummer, Main Line MOMs (PA). Find the March quiz at the end of this email. Just click on the link and you’ll be able to answer quickly and easily on the pre-filled form!

Board News
The board is working with our volunteers to deliver the services and benefits you enjoy from year to year as well as to develop new initiatives focused on support and connection. Here’s a few of our latest moves:

• We’ve found a dynamic, funny, and inspiring keynote speaker for our 2024 national convention. Who? Graham Shelby: He’s a Kentucky native, master storyteller, speechwriter, and father of triplets! Be on the lookout for an article about Graham in the April issue of Club Connections.
• Our new Multiple Match program gives you the chance to connect over email with another member who shares similar life or parenting experiences. Read more about the program and register to join in at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/multiplematch/
• Thanks to the Monkey See, Monkeys Read bookstore (www.monkeysread.com) for partnering with us for the online book fair in the last week of November 2023, and thanks to all who purchased books. Multiples of America profited $91.44.
• Questions about the best classroom placement for your multiples? Wondering whether it’s best to retain one or more of your multiples? Looking for tips about handling homework with twins? Join us for our April Zoom Connect. The topic is Education and the guest speaker is Dr. John Mascazine, author of Understanding Multiple Birth Children and How they Learn. Wednesday, April 10 at 7 p.m., CST. (Note the earlier time from other Zoom Connects.) Reserve your spot at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/zoom-connects/

We Are In the World…
Multiples of America Joins in the Journey
We’re counting down the days to April, but not because we’re waiting for those “April showers.” We’re looking forward to Multiple Birth Awareness month! This year, we’re centered around the theme, “We are in the World…Multiples of America Joins in the Journey.”

MBA toolkit
Check out the 2024 Multiple Birth Awareness toolkit. It’s packed full of ideas to help your club plan its celebrations (or just an evening of celebration). Find the toolkit in the Members Only Center: https://multiplesofamerica.org/toolboxes/#MultipleBirthAwareness.

Flat Multiple
Join parents around the country in our Flat Multiple project. Download the pattern for the flat multiple at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/weareintheworld/. Use marker or crayon to create a likeness of your multiples, then snap photos of your flat multiples out and about during the month. Post the photos on you or your club’s social media page or our national Facebook page with the hashtag #multiplesareintheworld

Flat Multiple Bingo
Check the Flat Multiple Bingo gameboard. Mark a space for each applicable flat multiple post you make. Once you’ve scored a bingo, email Kim Simonich, Events Vice President, events@multiplesofamerica.org,  for a chance to win a prize for you or your club. Download your flat multiple and your bingo scorecard at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/weareintheworld/

RUaTWIN
RUaTWIN is more than a cute way to phrase a question; it’s a new research study by Rebecca Betjemann from Regis University. We’re asking that you pass along information about this research study to any adult twins you know. Participants will complete an online study which will take about 15-25 minutes. The survey asks for perspectives on a wide range of topics including personality, religion, altruism, empathy, and politics. Respondents may respond “prefer not to answer” for any question. Read more about the study at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/ruatwin_research/.

Complete the contact form to register interest in joining in the study at: https://www.ruatwin.org.

Vanishing Twin Syndrome
Vanishing Twin Syndrome brings sadness in the midst of joy. A new research study led by researcher Nichole Cubbage looks to explore the experiences of patients during their initial Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS) diagnosis and pregnancy. Anyone over the age of 18 who has experienced Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS) or who is currently enduring VTS can join the study by taking an online survey that takes about 10-15 minutes. Find out more about this research opportunity at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/vanishingtwin_research.

Click this link to join in the study: https://tinyurl.com/VanishingTwinStudy.

Timeless Treasures Gallery
So many talents within our midst. Parents of multiples are busy painting, creating jewelry, card making, building, quilting, and more. Many have offered to share their creations with us at convention — for viewing and for a silent auction (proceeds go toward convention expenses). If you would like to donate an item (or two) for the gallery or for one of our convention raffles, contact Events Vice President, Kim Simonich, at events@multiplesofamerica.org.

New Partnership: Superhero Project, Inc.
“Because those born small are destined to do great things,” so says the tagline of our newest partner, Superhero Project, Inc. The Pennsylvania-based organization provides support, information, and connections for parents with preemie multiples in several states. Check out their website, https://superheroprojectinc.org/, and read more about their services in the April issue of Club Connections.

Invite2Connect
Invite2Connect is a two-fold outreach project aimed at connecting with parents of newborn multiples through hospitals, partner organizations, and your local clubs. Multiples of America will provide postcards your club can distribute to help connect those parents with your club. Find out more about this project and sign up to receive postcards for your club at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/invite2connect/. 

Multiple Connections
Is laughter really the best medicine? Find out that and more in the latest issue of Multiple Connections. Look for articles about twins who don’t look alike, raising a family with nine children, pondering traditions, and more. Check it out at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/multipleconnections/

What is an Add-On Member?
Has your club added members since your initial renewal last year? If you have, let us know so we can add their names and emails to our list. Without that information, those members will not receive the email communications sent to all members, such as Multiple Connections and this monthly Special Delivery. Members submitted on or before March 31, 2024, will be included in your credential count for convention voting purposes. If your club has ”add-on members,” go to https://multiplesofamerica.org/add-on/ and follow the printed instructions. Questions about that process? Email: info@multiplesofamerica.org

Local Clubs Hopping into Spring
Fairfax County Mothers of Multiples (VA) had an “EGG-cellent” time at their annual egg hunt! Even rain couldn’t ruin their fun: watching Hop, visiting with a Bunny, and filling baskets with goodies!

Phoenix Valley Mothers of Multiples (AZ) jumped into spring with their early March playdate at Sky Zone Park in Scottsdale. Dodge ball, air court, and open jump were available as part of the park experience, plus a portion of the price of the entry ticket price was donated back to the club.

 Watch for This
Our website is growing and changing almost daily. Check out these items:

The March Press Release shares information about our organizational legacy of research: https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/march-24-press-release-research-surprises-FINAL.pdf

Handling School Issues is our NEW presentation about education of multiple birth children, available with or without narration. Find it in the Members Only Center under Brochures & Booklets, or click here for the narrated version: https://simplebooklet.com/65b6cb2f6441825456#page=1

Send Your Ideas, Share Your Joys and Challenges
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, or about your personal joys or challenges on your parenting journey. Contact me at president@multiplesofamerica.org.

THIS MONTH’S QUIZ IS NOW CLOSED.