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!
67 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. The April quiz highlighted multiples who chose careers in the same field in honor of our Multiple Birth Awareness activities. The quiz answers were:

Scott and Mark Kelly are twin astronauts.

Robin and Maurice Gibbs are multiple musicians.

Twins Tiki and Ronde Barber both played in the NFL.

F.O. Stanley and F.E. Stanley were twin inventors.

Twins Philip and Julius Epstein wrote the dialogue for the classic film Casablanca.

Winner of the gift card drawing was Helen Hong, Plano Area MOMs (TX). Find the May 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! 

May 12
What makes a mother? Rosie Pope says, “If you’re a mom, you’re a superhero. Period.” So to all my fellow superheroes, a belated happy Mother’s Day. Hope it was filled with memories and magic, and a chance to take off that cape and relax on your own for awhile!

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:

• Three members were awarded gift cards for completing the “We are in the World” bingo that charted the adventures of their “flat multiples.” It was one part of our Multiple Birth Awareness activities in April. Congrats go out to: Sara Barr, Multiples of the Midlands (SC), Jill Heink, Bluegrass Parents of Twins & Multiples (KY), and Susan Tietjen, Multiple Connections (MN)
• We developed a New Member Toolkit. It’s a kind of “get to know us” kit for new members (or even current members). It’s filled with information about Multiples of America’s benefits and services and tips on how to reach out for help when needed. Want to give members a direct line to the toolkit? They can find them on our Members Only site.
• We’re hoping you’ll plan to join in our Good of the Order Zoom Connect. 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. It’s Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m., CST. Reserve you spot in the Members Only section of the website beginning May 30 on the Members Only page under Zoom Connect.

Multiples Credit Mixing
I recall mixing up my twins when they were small. For months, we painted one twins’ toenails so we could recognize one from another! Multiples mixing still happens to some twins as adults. Credit reporting agencies sometimes mix the financial and personal information of multiples together. The results can disrupt finances and daily life. Our sponsor, Tod Lewis Law, PLLC, helps twins manage this dilemma (with no out of pocket costs or attorney fees). If you have adult twins, let them know about Tod’s services. www.twinsmixedcredit.com. You can also check in with Tod in person during MOMs Mall at convention to find out more about multiples mixing.

Multiple Match Update
Our new Multiple Match program provides a personal connection for members in an electronic format. Sign up and we’ll work to match you with another member experiencing similar parenting or life challenges. It’s a match that can create a connection for support or friendship.

Right now, we are especially looking for matches for members who have:

• Newborn multiples
• Special needs multiples
• Young multiples while caring for elderly parents
• Preschool multiples with older siblings
• Multiples who experience chronic illness

…and members who are:

• Single moms with multiples who used an anonymous donor

Join in Multiple Match by signing up at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/multiplematch/

Convention News
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…time to register for convention! This year’s we will be “Connecting in Kentucky,” July 25-27 at The Brown Hotel in Louisville.

Did you know the convention schedule is filled with opportunities for fun and connection? We’re planning a cruise on the Belle of Louisville, a rooftop party (weather allowing) filled with the elegance and excitement of the Kentucky Derby, and daily meetups with friends, old and new, in the Hospitality Room. I hope you are planning to join us!

The link to learn more about all of the fun, learning, and business events at convention is on our homepage: www.multiplesofamerica.org. You’ll also find registration details there. The deadline to register without incurring a late fee is June 10.

Get a Taste of Convention – Without Leaving Home
No, I’m not thinking about the delectable Hot Brown sandwiches served up at our convention hotel. I’m thinking about those members who won’t be able to join us at this year’s convention. We are offering you a chance to Zoom into one of our convention workshops from the comfort of home! Ali Dunn, founder of MeTwo Books and mother of identical twins born at 28 weeks, will help attendees unlock the secret of “How to be a Career Competent Parent.” She’ll guide parents in learning about the tenets of career development and offer practical, simple ways they can help their children build self-awareness and foster healthy career exploration. There’s no cost to join us Friday, July 26, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. CST. Starting June 13, you can register to get the link on the Members Only site under Zoom Connect,

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! Become a National Worker volunteer.

The deadline for volunteer forms for next term is June 15. But no need to wait until summer. Complete your form today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9Y737LZ.  Convention attendance is not required to become a National Worker volunteer.

Member of the Year Awards
Does your club have a couple of members who have gone above and beyond organizing, helping, connecting…over the past year? One way to say thanks: Nominate them for our Member of the Year award. 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/1FAIpQLSfnC__22E_UvqXSUCLDDqDGrCIuiH0aO7Em1sShgFLvfpBExQ/viewform

ELITE Member Clubs
ELITE can be defined as: First Rate, The Best, Special, Crème de la Crème. All clubs who renew their membership by June 30 are awarded the title of ELITE, and receive special recognition on social media, at convention, and on our website.

To be honored as an ELITE club, just go to this link, select the ELITE Status button and follow instructions: https://multiplesofamerica.org/dues-renewal/

NOTE: If your club collects dues later in the year, you can renew with as few as four members, then register the others as “add-on” members once your membership drive is complete (no later than September 30.) New members should also be added to your club’s membership roles year-round by submitting them as “add-on” members. https://multiplesofamerica.org/add-on/

There are 27 ELITE clubs for our current membership year, listed on our website at: https://multiplesofamerica.org/elitestatusclubs/ Can we add to that number for the 2024-25 membership year? I think we can!

Get Ready for some Special Shopping
A very special store is now open! No, it’s not a neighborhood pizza place (although that sounds quite tasty). It’s the Multiples of America swag store! Our store is stocked with T-shirts, tank tops, and hoodies. Some have a Multiples of America logo; others feature our 2024 “Connecting in Kentucky” logo. Find the button that opens the door to this special store at:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/convention-2024/ Note: You can shop and order even if you can’t join us at convention.

Timeless Treasures Gallery
Calling all the artists, crafters, jewelry makers, quilters, and yarnists in our midst. We’re holding a Timeless Treasures Gallery at convention and we’d love to have one of your creations to display and sell! All items will be sold at our silent auction (with proceeds to go towards 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

Amazon Wish List
If you’d like to make a small donation for convention, but aren’t sure what we need, check out our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2A0CI5DDSNYX2?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_UyQmhKfXpB6Yr

Multiple Connections
Looking for some quick reads? Read about the extra joys and challenges for single parents of multiples, find out about our amazing spotlight club, get tips on music instruction for the summer and year-round, and learn more about twin DNA. All that and so much more in just one click, check it out on the Members Only page on our website.

Local Clubs Going Above and Beyond
Upstate Parents of Multiples (SC) creates a Babysitter Directory for their members. Any sitter, age 16 and up, is welcome to submit their credentials and their preferred rate, plus indicate where in the area they’d be comfortable working. All contact information is kept within the club (not published). The Directory is provided to club members for use free of charge. 

Phoenix Valley Mothers of Multiples (AZ) is planning a June meeting on pelvic health topics including postpartum fitness, leakage, pain, and Diastasis Recti. Dr. Kylee Austin, PT, DPT will lead an interactive lecture: “Connecting to Your Core and More.”

Northwest Houston Mothers of Multiples (TX) brought fun and flavor to May with a Popsicles in the Park gathering.

Congrats to Fairfax County Mothers of Multiples (VA). They turn 43 this month! The club enjoyed a celebration filled with good company, delicious treats and a gift exchange. 

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

The May Press Release shares information about learning opportunities at this year’s convention: https://multiplesofamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/may-24-press-release-Convention-Learning-Connections.pdf

Don’t forget to check out the New Member Toolkit featured above under Board News. You’ll find it in the Members Only Center. 

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 any anniversaries or special celebrations or share about your personal joys or challenges on your parenting journey. Contact me at president@multiplesofamerica.org

Take A Quiz
Since we’re heading to Louisville, Kentucky for our annual convention in a few months, I thought I’d check out the town for its twin (or multiple) status. Click on the quiz link below to see what I found!