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[quote=Anonymous]I would start a hyper local group, but wouldn’t call it a mothers group. “Silver Springs Gatherings for young families” or something like that. I did in my new city. Quite honestly, it was very appreciated.

We made attractive flyers and asked to post them at places in our neighborhood where we knew similar profile families would see them: the pediatrician (goldmine to post in the waiting room and each of the patient rooms), library, favorite cafe, children’s clothing shop, preschools whose philosophy was aligned with our parenting style, etc… I even handed a few out (made half size for this purpose as no one wants a full sheet) to other parents at a restaurant we frequent. I swear those were the key. They looked tasteful (yup, signaling. Not going to pretend I am someone else), were clear about the age group, and gave off a vibe that the group would be fun.

It listed our first three meetups, so people had a choice/flexibility to attend. We added a small note at the bottom that we especially welcome families who are new to the area. Make it parents, not just mums.

The first meetup was at a toddler park. The second at a library where we had reseved a story room. The third was at a small, local beach picnic on a warm weekend afternoon. The last one was the most attended, and cemented things. All spots had coffee shops adjacent that were noted with the destination. We would have 1:1 weekday:Saturday gatherings.

We grew an organic email list when people sent me their email or offered it in person at an event. I then asked the two women I liked the most to join me in organizing. It’s not so much work to send meet up emails or make a flyer, but we met for a glass of wine to make some plans. Voila! We had a common interest/goal, and put energy into this.

We continued to grow it, small splinter groups formed, emails became smaller WhatsApp group chats, and it lasted three years. But my core group came from that group in my new city. And several other friendships that have nothing to do with me also formed. My husband found his cycling group through one of the dads. I’m happy to have sparked that. Be the person who wants good things for themself, and also for other people.

Once the kids hit elementary school, a whole new group was added to our life and things moved on organically. But I guarantee you are not the only one in your situation. It never hurts to try. [/quote]

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