Once upon a time in our club, we regularly had "age-based discussion rooms" when we actually had separate rooms to meet in. For those of us who remember them, they were quite valuable. Usually there was a moderator, and we'd gather with parents of other twins similarly-aged. We would discuss anything from potty training to sleep habits, getting advice from other twin moms on products that are "essential" for parents of twins at different stages, suggestions on strategies, services, and anything else twin or child-related.
MWPoM Support Chair, Jessica Falk, made it her mission to bring this idea back in her own way. Congrats, Jessica, it worked! She didn't let the governor's "stay at home" mandate stop her. She found an alternative way around it, soldiered through it, and last Monday, May 11, she spearheaded a great event that we've never had before, and it was virtual, which we've also never had before, and for a maiden event she reported a turnout of 41 members.
For those of us who know Jessica, being the Support Chair for our club is a perfect match for her personality. She is one of the kindest parents you will meet in this club. I've never seen her without a smile on her face, and her suggestions are always encouraging, inspiring and supportive. She is the mother of twin boys Liam and Nolan, who are 8, and Colin, who is 5 1/2.
One of the reasons we believe in the "age based discussions" are that we know how important they are, whether your children are very young, you're new to the club, or you're new to being a parent. Meeting other parents with similar aged children can be a lifeline to parents of twins. We've all been there, and we never forgot how valuable those connections were to us. Especially now that we've been quarantined and basically banned from doing anything social, this event was something our members truly needed.
On behalf of the club, thank you Jessica, for making this event happen. Jessica did express her gratitude for having a great number of members participate in the virtual age-based night. She stated that the age group that seemed to have the most member participation were the newborns, and age 1-3 toddlers. Since this was the first member-event that was done virtually, and totally brand new, she had no idea how it would work. "The virtual platform is a nice way to dip your toe in," she explained, recalling what it was like to being a new member and how that first meeting can be a little scary when you don't know anyone. "This is nice for the new parents," she said, which gives them a "chance to try and make some connections in a less scary way." She went on to add, "I'm hoping we can maintain connections that people started..."
Ironically, Jessica stated at the start of the event, she had technical difficulties and was not able to log on right at 8:00, and she praises President Sarah Pellegrini and Vice President Meredith Fitzgerald, who allowed members the time to log on, work out technical glitches, and did a quick introduction. Since all the participating members pre-registered for the room that would coordinate with the age group of their twins, Jessica said that there was a "virtual Harry Potter moment" that occurred seamlessly as everyone who participated started out in a large zoom room, then all of a sudden, they were in their individual break-out rooms.
We discussed the positive experiences that happened organically with this type of event. The most obvious, of course, being the discovery of new platforms for us to engage, and experiment with, especially for new members. When we are able to meet again in person, having done this platform once, the opportunity to offer this to members who may not be able to attend in person, having a virtual option increases participation.
"Overall, I was really happy with the way it went" she said. "Even during this difficult time, we want to get together because we recognize the importance of connection."
Well, done, Jessica. Hopefully this was just the first of more to come.