The Wellesley Mothers Forum (WMF) kicked off its 2019-2020 membership year at the Wellesley College Club. Co-Presidents Melissa Lacy and Lindsey McCullough are at the helm of the 25-year old member-led social and support group. The group is all about providing opportunities for nearly 400 local mothers to come together with the goal of establishing a long- term support network.

As any one of the 65 dedicated volunteers can tell you, the not-for-profit group is first and foremost about family and community. With membership comes socialization, friendship, and nuts-and-bolts knowledge (where’s the nearest Montessori school? Where’s the best pizza in town?) at a time when connection is essential in helping a family feel like a part of the town. The organization strives to help women maintain their individuality, creativity, confidence, and emotional health while doing the hardest job of all — parenting.

As the WMF enters a new year, there will be exciting lectures on topics including parenthood in the age of fear, de-cluttering and getting organized, the power of positive thinking, and minimalist parenting, just to name a few. Members benefit from the Merchant Discount Program (over 160 merchants), as well as many events for moms and the whole family such as: the Morses Pond Family Picnic, Fall Carnival, Halloween Party, Cookie Swap, and various Children’s Events and Moms Nights Out throughout the year.

How to join

Members must live in Wellesley or surrounding towns (that would be Natick, Wayland, Newton, or Needham) and have at least one child (or currently be expecting). Most members have kids between the ages of birth to eight years old. The club’s membership year runs year-round, with most events occurring September through June. New members are welcome at any time of year, and no sponsorship is needed.

Dues/annual registration fee is $165 for the year. That gets you plenty, such as lectures and seminars from parenting experts. A big draw is the group’s monthly Speaker Series starts with a social hour with wine and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a presentation and Q & A session. Previous speakers have included award-winning speaker and author Carl Honoré of In Praise of Slow; Karen Le Billion, author of French Kids Eat Everything and Getting to YUM: The 7 Secrets of Raising Eager Eaters; and Dr. Harvey Karp, pediatrician, child development specialist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at USC School of Medicine.

Other perks

Weekly playgroups are assembled according to the child’s age and the parent’s availability. Generally, playgroups meet weekly, rotating among members’ homes. The group also offer playgroups specifically for nannies to attend.

The Working Moms Group for full-time or part-time workers, or those interested in returning to the workforce. This group meets monthly for dinners at local restaurants or cocktail parties in members’ homes and is a place to share ideas and best practices about the challenges of balancing career and home life.

Members are encouraged to contribute two volunteer hours per year by volunteering for a committee, staffing an event, or preparing a meal for a family in need.

If you have any questions, contact membership@wellesleymothersforum.com.