MOMS Club

The MOMS Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to stay-at-home mothers across the United States and internationally. The name "MOMS" is an acronym for Moms Offering Moms Support.

History

Founded in 1985 by Mary James, a stay-at-home mother from California, the MOMS Club was established to address the lack of daytime social opportunities for mothers and their children. Initially starting as a local group, it quickly expanded into a national organization with multiple chapters. Today, the MOMS Club has over 973 chapters in the United States, as well as international chapters.

Activities

Chapters of the MOMS Club organize a variety of activities tailored to the needs of local mothers and their children. Common events include:

• Monthly Meetings: These gatherings typically focus on discussing relevant issues, sharing experiences, and planning upcoming activities.
• Playgroups: Regular meetings where children can play together while mothers socialize and build friendships.
• Mom's Nights Out: Social events designed to provide mothers with opportunities to relax and connect with each other outside of their family roles.
• Holiday Parties: Celebrations for major holidays, often involving both mothers and children.
• Field Trips: Organized outings to local attractions, promoting educational and recreational experiences for families.
• Community Speakers and Service Projects: Events that engage members in community service and educational activities.

Structure and Nonprofit Status

The MOMS Club Corporation is registered as a 501(C)(3) public charity with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the educational and charitable categories. All chapters registered with the International MOMS Club are covered under the International MOMS Club's group exemption, enabling them to operate as nonprofit entities. Each chapter manages its own finances and activities but must adhere to the bylaws and guidelines set forth by the International MOMS Club.

Controversy

The organization faced controversy in 2020 when a chapter attempted to post a collage with an anti-racist message on the International MOMS Club's Facebook page. The message was declined as it was perceived as political, potentially jeopardizing the organization's non-profit status. In response to the controversy, many members and chapters left the organization due to disagreements over the handling of the issue and the organization's stance on racial issues.

Inclusion and Mission

Despite the controversy, the MOMS Club has emphasized its commitment to inclusivity, welcoming mothers of all races, religions, sexualities, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds. The organization aims to provide a supportive environment where mothers can connect and participate in community activities, fostering a sense of community and sisterhood among its members.

Financial Assistance

The MOMS Club operates a Mother-To-Mother Fund, which provides financial assistance to members facing devastating emergencies not caused by their actions. Donations to this fund are crucial for its operation and are used to support members in need.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOMS_Club [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonprofit_organization [3] https://momsclub.org/chapters/ [4] https://momsclub.org [5] https://momsclub.org/elearning/courses/treasurer-training/lessons/treasurer-non-profit/