going to church, but not Christian, to find community

[Anonymous]

Ethical Society?

[Anonymous]

Have you thought about something like MOPS? Meets once a week, is church-based but open to all individuals, and you can go from getting to know the moms to getting to know their families.

[Anonymous]

I think you will find a community when your child starts preschool, which should only be in another year.

I would strongly encourage you to consider a co-op preschool. There is an automatic involvement that is inherent in the co-op dynamic. Also, depending on the school, many co-ops have committees (our school requires participation on at least one) and various fundraisers and social events throughout the year. I feel like I went from zero to sixty as far as "community" since dd started preschool this year.

[Anonymous]

15:38 again. You don't say whether you work, but if you SAH, I would suggest co-op even more. Most 2s programs are 2-3 days a week. On the other days you can do play dates with classmates and that will allow you to get to know other parents. Within the first 2 weeks of school starting, I had play dates with 2 different kids and at that age you pretty much hang out with the other parent the whole time. Now, a couple of months into the school year, between play dates and chatting with parents as we wait for pick up and birthday parties (the whole class is invited at this age) I feel like I've met and actually gotten to know so many people.

Many co-ops are through churches or synagogues. I would not shy away from one that isn't your religion if its a great school.

Hang in there!

[Anonymous]

If you can wait a couple of years, I've been able to find this through dc's preschool. Wonderful group of parents...we were lucky to have made some friends there as well, not just dc.