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!
Fourteen members emailed their answers to the April quiz. A perfect score is not the aim; everyone who joins in the fun is entered into the drawing. Winner of the gift card drawing for April was Melanie Kandl, Mountain Plains Mothers of Multiples (NJ).
 
May 14
What makes a mother? There’s a famous quote by Tenneva Jordan that says, “A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” Or maybe as Dr. V challenges, “This mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, watches proudly as her kids problem solve so no one can go without.” Whatever your feelings about the pie dilemma, hope your Mother’s Day brings some memories and magic, and perhaps a slice of pie or cake!
 
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.
• A big welcome goes out to our new member club, Lubbock Mothers of Multiples (TX)!
• Summer is on its way, and it’s not all sunshine. Summer brings unique challenges for clubs to stay connected and continue supporting for expectant moms and long-time members. Our June Zoom Connect explores how some Superstar Clubs are tackling these challenges. We’ll gather on June 14, 7:30 CST. Reserve your spot today: https://multiplesofamerica.org/zoom-connects/ No sunscreen required.

• We’re LinkedIn! Multiples of America now has an account on this business and employment-focused social media platform. If you’ve got an account, be sure to “follow” us, and be on the lookout for an exciting video story we’ll be posting soon. https://www.linkedin.com/in/multiples-of-america-eo-b90b76270/

• Your club leaders should have received three mailings in the last month. They are also posted online in the Members Only section of the website.

     ◊ The first mailing included your club’s credential card which needs to be completed and
submitted once your club has designated a delegate for this year’s convention. Delegates need
to be in attendance at convention.
     ◊ The second mailing was filled with information for all members about bylaw and budget proposals and members who have been slated by the Nominating Committee for elective office in the coming term.
     ◊ The third mailing includes the materials your club needs to renew your membership for the 2023-24 year, plus information on member services and upcoming events. Deadline for renewals is September 30. Your club can earn ELITE status by sending in your renewal by June 30.

• Our “Building A Dynamic Club Toolkit” is now available online! This toolkit provides resources around the common needs of clubs, including new member outreach, membership retention, volunteer recruitment, and more. You’ll find it in the Members Only section: https://multiplesofamerica.org/members-only/
 
Convention News
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…time to register for convention! This year’s convention will be July 27-29 at the Drury Plaza Orlando – Disney Springs in Orlando, FL. I hope you are planning to join us. 
 
I was just reflecting about the year I first decided to go to convention. My family wasn’t quite sure what I was doing. “What’s the name of that group again?” I had to coordinate care for the kids. I had to juggle finances. Not so different than this year, I guess, except since my kids are all adults, and I’m coordinating care for the family dogs.
 
I didn’t realize that first year that my decision to attend convention would impact the rest of my life. I didn’t grasp that I would be meeting people who would become life-long friends. I didn’t foresee the power. So I hope you can make plans to join us. If not, be our guest for free at the “Good of the Order” Forum. See information on the Forum below.
 
Find the link to learn more about convention and register on our homepage: www.multiplesofamerica.org The deadline to register without incurring a late fee is June 10.
 
Fun Fact About Orlando
Ron Howard, who is a father of twins, shot many of the scenes for the 1989 film Parenthood in Orlando, but made it look like St. Louis, MO. Filming sights included: the Orlando Speed World Dragway, Publix Supermarket, AMC Fashion 8 Movie Theater, and Chuck E. Cheese (which was then ShowBiz Pizza Palace).
 
Dreamspiration 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 raffle (with proceeds to go toward convention expenses). Our “Dreamspiration Gallery” will be a part of one of our raffle nights at convention. If you would like to donate an item (or two) for the gallery, contact Events Vice President, Kim Simonich, at: events@multiplesofamerica.org
 
Good of the Order Forum
We are planning a special “Good of the Order” Zoom Forum on Sat., June 24, 7:00 p.m., CST. It’s for all members, but especially for those who are unable to attend our annual convention. There’s no cost, and it’s a time to share your voice and ideas, to clarify bylaw and budget proposals for next term and ask questions. Reserve your seat beginning June 15 in the Members Only section.
 
In Search of National Worker Volunteers…
Give kindness. Share your expertise. Support new clubs. Share resources with parents of multiples facing special challenges. Start lifelong friendships with parents across the nation. Be a part of our story. It might change your life, too!
 
The deadline for volunteer forms for next term is June 15. But no need to wait until summer. Complete the form today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MOA-NW2022. Convention attendance is not required to join us as a volunteer.
 
Member of the Year Awards
The Member of the Year is chosen by your club. It’s a chance to honor a member who has made a big difference for your club in the last year. Each club can nominate up to two members. The members and club do not need to be present at convention in order to be recognized. Members of the Year will also be recognized in an upcoming issue of Multiple Connections and on our social media. June 30 is the deadline for nominations. Use this URL to go to the nomination form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScb94U6nKoQISfVacDivWwbfbFZipnXM8wGvCiniXIFwYtlfA/viewform
 
ELITE Clubs
ELITE can be defined as: First Rate, The Best, Special, Crème de la Crème. All clubs who renew their membership with at least four members by June 30 are awarded the title of ELITE (with dues for all club members required by September 30). ELITE clubs receive special recognition on social media, at convention, and on our website.
 
There are 59 ELITE clubs for our current membership year, listed on our website at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/elitestatusclubs/ Can we add to that number for the 2023-24 membership year? I think we can!
 
Renew your club’s membership for the 2023-24 term in the Members Only section of the website: https://multiplesofamerica.org/renew/.
 
Ready for shopping?
I’ve been helping Multiples of America (aka the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc.) as I shop online. There’s no added cost to me. The donations are made by shopping through www.iGive.com. iGive is an internet shopping mall with more than 1,900 stores and services. Each gives a portion of any purchases I make back to Multiples of America as the non-profit of my choice. I use my computer when shopping, but they also have a shopping window app available. In this month of May, iGive is even giving double donations! If you would like to give it a try, use this link: https://www.iGive.com/EM9Z9Xu.
 
Get ready for some special shopping
A very special store will be opening up soon! No, it’s not a neighborhood pizza place (although that sounds quite tasty). It’s the Multiples of America swag store! Our store will be stocked with items for all ages: Tank tops, T-shirts, backpack knapsacks, beach towels. Add a Multiples of America logo or our 2023 Convention Dream BIG logo to any item. Your Choice. You’ll find the button that opens the door to this special store at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/2023_annualconvention/. So keep checking that link, and we’ll also be sure to announce our grand opening on social media. Note: You can shop and order even if you can’t join us at convention.
 
Club Connections
Looking for some quick reads? Growing your membership, creating a club budget, finding out what our partner organizations can do for you and your fellow club members: the April issue of Club Connections is jam-packed with ideas and information. Check it out at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/club_connections/.
 
Watch for This
Our website is growing and changing almost daily. Check out this updated item:
• In case you missed it: Your Multiples & You, our premiere publication filled with tips and information for new and expectant parents of https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/YMY-FINAL_03_2023.pdf. The May press release also shares information about this resource: https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/May-Press-Release-2023-Your-Multiples-You-FINAL.pdf.
• Growing Leadership and Recruiting Volunteers (a part of the Building a Dynamic Club Toolkit) offers tips and ideas for meeting these critical challenges: https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ClubTipsForgrowingleadershipandrecruitingvolunteers-FINAL.pdf
• On the Road to Learning is a compilation of articles about education of multiple birth children published previously in MOTC’s Notebook or Multiple Connections. It’s part of the Education of Multiple Birth Children Toolkit: https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ontheroadtolearning-FINAL.pdf.
 
What’s the Password?
I’m always in search of a password (or two), even the ones that I compose myself! So just in case you’re
wanting to access the Members Only section and were wondering…the password for the current membership year is:
User Name:        MembersOnly
Password:           2ward2morrow! (Think: Together “Toward Tomorrow!”)
 
Please remember this log-in information is only for members of clubs for whom dues have been paid at the national level only. It is very important that it be kept secure and not published online in newsletters, news groups (Yahoo, Facebook, Big Tent, etc.), club websites, or any other print media that is not secured by a password.
 
State Organization News
Minnesota MOMs found lots of ways to “Stay Golden” during their one-day workshop, complete with massages, gigantic collections of raffle prizes, workshops, crafts, and even a time for cheesecake pickup!
 
The Northwest Association of Mothers of Multiples Clubs spent time together as “Moms in Wonderland” at their April convention. The Alice in Wonderland theme even featured glowing black lights at their Friday night party.
 
Local Club Event Round-Up
Fairfax County Mothers of Multiples (VA) had a refresher course on CPR and first aid skills, led by Campaign Pay It Forward, at their April meeting.
 
Music City Multiples (TN) members and their children gathered at Brookdale Goodlettsville, a retirement and assisted living facility, to make cookies, have a party, and spread some springtime cheer.
 
Permian Basin Moms of Multiples (TX) held a special brunch at the Rusty Taco in honor of Mother’s Day.
 
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
 
Take a Quiz
They say April showers bring May flowers. With that in mind, I thought I’d do some research about twinning in plants and animals. Hope you’ll give the May quiz a try even if you don’t have a green thumb or a degree in zoology.
 
1.     The name of this dainty flower means “twin flower” and grows in open forests and dry slopes in the mountains across North America.
         a. Rose
         b. Tulip
         c. Linnea
         d. Carnation
 
2.     You can create your own “twin” of a parent plant, by:
         a. Planting two seeds close together.
         b. Cutting off a piece of a plant and placing it in water.
         c. Burying a flowering plant and waiting for it to grow.
         d. Twisting the stems of two plants together as they grow.
 
3.     All of these animals often give birth to fraternal twins, except:
         a. Sheep
         b. Goats
         c. Deer
         d. Moose
 
4.     This animal always gives birth to identical quadruplets.
         a. Kangaroo
         b. Armadillo
         c. Giraffe
         d. Marmot
 
5.     This animal co-parents their twin offspring with the males providing care as well as the females.
Sometimes the moms and dads even raise triplets!
         a. Tamarin
         b. Lemur
         c. Penguin
         d. Siberian Tiger
 
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!