Running a Successful Playgroup Part II
* part "2" of 2 *
~ We are selective, but not snobby! Every pending member must complete an “application” before being considered – in addition, they must meet a member of the moderation team in person. There are a couple reasons for this: First, moms who take the time to fill out the application are more likely to be “quality” participants – not lurkers. Second, it’s a huge reflection on the moms who ignore the application or decide not to join once they find out they have to take time out of their busy schedules to be “screened”… well, participating in a playgroup also is a demand on busy time, and moms who cant find a half hour to meet one of two of us for coffee some afternoon are not the kinds of moms who will likely be outgoing and participatory in a playgroup setting. Most importantly we screen all applicants because anyone can say they are a mom, answer a few questions – even send pictures… but until we know exactly who they are, then they are simply not getting in. Once a mom has completed the process, she is usually more than grateful that we take these precautions to protect the safety of her and her family.
~ Participation! Since our group is run and maintained online via a message board, there is no reason why moms can’t keep in touch with the group. We have several areas of interest, including a “question of the day”, a debate board, recipe exchange, an expecting club, a monthly photo contest, money talk… the list goes on and on. There is always something to talk about, and we ask that our members post at least monthly, and when they don’t, we are sure to follow up.
The above mentioned things, in addition to a strong leadership and close moderation team, make for a successful and well-run playgroup!
Carol M.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/esuite/home/carolm
~ We are selective, but not snobby! Every pending member must complete an “application” before being considered – in addition, they must meet a member of the moderation team in person. There are a couple reasons for this: First, moms who take the time to fill out the application are more likely to be “quality” participants – not lurkers. Second, it’s a huge reflection on the moms who ignore the application or decide not to join once they find out they have to take time out of their busy schedules to be “screened”… well, participating in a playgroup also is a demand on busy time, and moms who cant find a half hour to meet one of two of us for coffee some afternoon are not the kinds of moms who will likely be outgoing and participatory in a playgroup setting. Most importantly we screen all applicants because anyone can say they are a mom, answer a few questions – even send pictures… but until we know exactly who they are, then they are simply not getting in. Once a mom has completed the process, she is usually more than grateful that we take these precautions to protect the safety of her and her family.
~ Participation! Since our group is run and maintained online via a message board, there is no reason why moms can’t keep in touch with the group. We have several areas of interest, including a “question of the day”, a debate board, recipe exchange, an expecting club, a monthly photo contest, money talk… the list goes on and on. There is always something to talk about, and we ask that our members post at least monthly, and when they don’t, we are sure to follow up.
The above mentioned things, in addition to a strong leadership and close moderation team, make for a successful and well-run playgroup!
Carol M.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/esuite/home/carolm
11/01/2005
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