Program and Policies
Steering Team
Co-Coordinators – Taya Gonzalez
Finance Coordinator – Rachel Dustman
Hospitality Leader – Karmen Elwer
Creative Activity Leader – Lindsey Hoffman
Welcome to MamaTalk of Decatur. We are a group of mamas who gather in fellowship to grow in our faith, develop lasting friendships, and provide one another with support and camaraderie in motherhood. During our meetings, we have the opportunity to enjoy snacks and refreshments together and socialize, hear from speakers from our community, participate in crafts, and provide one another with encouragement and guidance during this stage of motherhood.
MamaTalk Evening Meetings
Mama Talk meetings are scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month September through May. Meetings will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. and we will end the meeting at promptly 9:00 p.m.
A typical meeting would look like:
· 7:00 – 7:15 – Arrive, get seated, chat
· 7:15 – 7:25 – Announcements/snack
· 7:25 – 7:40 – Devotion/icebreaker
· 7:30 – 8:30 – Speaker/craft
· 8:30 – 9:00 – Discussion
· 9:00 – Clean up
MamaTalk table groups take turns providing food for the night.
MamaTalk of Decatur follows the North Adams Community School District calendar. If school is delayed or cancelled due to weather or holidays, MamaTalk team will evaluate the weather for the evening and decide if there will be a meeting.
Children under one year of age are able to accompany mothers at the meetings.
Meeting Attendance
It is our ultimate goal for you to be an active part of our MamaTalk group. Your participation in games, fundraisers, activities, ect. is what is continuing to make our group successful.
Because we have many mothers in the area who desire to be a part of MamaTalk group we will be currently need to limit enrollment to 35 mothers. Your consideration of the following is appreciated:
· I understand that by registering with MamaTalk of Decatur that I am making a commitment to attend meetings as often as possible.
· If you must miss a meeting, please give notice to your table leader or via the meetup site including a legitimate reason for your absence (sick child, personal illness, work, family vacation…)
Registration Fees
· We are pleased to be able to offer the MamaTalk program for $25 annually. We currently accept cash or check for all dues. We use fundraisers to keep registration low and each mom is expected to participate in the planning and/or implementing of our fundraisers. If you cannot participate in a fundraiser then you may “buyout” your portion of the fundraiser.
· We will max registration at 35 members. After 35 there will be a waitlist.
· I understand that registration will not be refunded for any reason after the first meeting of the year.
Scholarships
· Scholarships are available to those moms who may be in need of financial assistance. You may contact anyone on our steering team and your request will be handled in a confidential manner.
Facebook Group
· Our private Facebook Group (MamaTalk Mamas) is where we post all meetings, special events and various other information. Feel free to post events for mom and/or kids, prayer concerns and other relevant information. New moms will be added to the page after they pay and register.
· This Facebook group is not a place for political or controversial conversations.
Building Use and Clean-up
· First United Methodist Church has graciously allowed us to use their building and we need to return their generosity by cleaning up after each meeting. We end our meetings no later than 9:00 p.m. to allow time for clean-up. Please assist your Steering Team in clearing the tables and putting away your chair when necessary.
Cell Phone
· As courtesy to those around you, we ask that all cell phones be kept on “vibrate” during meetings and all phone calls can be taken and made in the hallway.
Party Invites
· If you sell or are planning to host a party such as Mary Kay/Pampered Chef/LulaRoe/Usborne ect. that is wonderful! You may advertise parties in the group.
Covid
· We are following current Indiana state guidelines for Covid. You are more than welcome to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable.
Bring a friend
· We always welcome newcomers! The first meeting a friend attends is free. If they would like to come again they must register and pay their $25.