FAQs

What is a MOMCODE Circle?

A Circle is a local support network of MOMCODE, a chapter of our organization, and is composed of local moms. Circles are nonprofits with their own Boards, membership and activities, but they operate under MOMCODE’s bylaws, guidelines and CODE of Conduct.

Who can join a MOMCODE Circle?

Circle membership is open to any mom or guardian of a minor child (including dad, foster parent, grandparent, etc.) who wants the support and community that MOMCODE provides. MOMCODE is focused on building communities of moms who share our CODE values of Community, Openness, Diversity and Empowerment. Prior to joining, all prospective members (female, male and non-binary) must meet the members of the local Circle to make sure they also value the mission and goals of MOMCODE, sign and agree to follow our CODE of conduct, complete a liability waiver, and pay the annual membership dues (unless waived).

Can kids, spouses and/or family members attend MOMCODE Circle activities?

Yes. Kids are welcome at all MOMCODE activities unless they are designated mom-only events. Spouses and family members or caregivers may also attend activities as associate members if there is a current liability waiver on file for those individuals. Associate members must be affiliated with an active full membership and agree to follow the CODE of Conduct; they do not pay dues and do not have voting rights. Individual Circles may set limits on which activities are open to associate members.

Is there a cost to join a Circle?

Circle membership dues are generally $24 per year, due on the anniversary of joining. However, the dues can be waived by the Circle Board. MOMCODE is an inclusive organization. No member will be turned away for inability to pay dues.

Can I join more than one Circle?

Yes. There may be circumstances in which a mom may want to be a member of more than one Circle. The process for joining is the same for each Circle. So, the prospective member would need to attend an activity prior to joining, pay the Circle membership fee (unless waived), and sign membership paperwork, including the CODE of Conduct and liability waiver. (See FAQ “Who can join a MOMCODE Circle?”)

Will Circle membership be capped?

No. MOMCODE will not cap membership in its local Circles.

Can I join a Circle in a location other than where I live?

Yes. There may be circumstances in which a mom may want to join a Circle located in a place other than where they live. For example, if they work or go to school/regular activities in that area or if they are already connected to members of the local Circle.

I want to be part of a Circle, but there isn’t one in my area. What do I do?

Contact MOMCODE. We can help you start a Circle in your area or connect you with nearby Circles. You also can participate in MOMCODE public programming while you build your local Circle.

What is the structure of the organization?

MOMCODE is a 501C3 nonprofit run by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the governance of the organization and managing support to Circles. (See FAQ “What is a Circle?”) For more information on our current Board, visit the Board Members page.

We also have a CODE (Community, Openness, Diversity, and Empowerment) Committee structure that oversees MOMCODE programming and serves as the focal point for information sharing between and among our Circles. Committees are composed of volunteers drawn mainly from our MOMCODE Circle membership. Each Circle is encouraged to designate two volunteers to participate in our CODE Committees each year. The committee structure is an integral part of our commitment to Openness, transparency and accountability to members.

MOMCODE is still in its start-up phase, in which we are building our structures and systems to be able to support Circles.

What is the process for starting a new MOMCODE Circle?

The first step is to contact MOMCODE and schedule meeting with us using this interest form. We will discuss your interest in getting started and review the entire process of forming a Circle and maintaining your new nonprofit. We will also send you materials to review, including our CODE of Conduct and Circle Bylaws. The main requirement for starting a Circle is having three people ready and willing to be the officers of the founding Board (president, treasurer and secretary). The officers must accept and agree to uphold Circle bylaws, Conflict of Interest Policy and CODE of Conduct, and have the ability to pay or help fundraise the $125 New Circle Registration fee. (See FAQ “What is the cost to start a Circle?”) Once your founding board is ready to proceed, they should complete our New Circle Board Information Form and Agreement and submit the fee. MOMCODE will then begin to prepare your Articles of Incorporation and assist with the filing process. After your Articles are filed, MOMCODE will facilitate obtaining your FEIN and onboard your new Circle.

What is the cost to start a Circle?

There is a New Circle Registration Fee of $125 to initiate a Circle. This amount covers the costs of required nonprofit filing fees in most states plus minimal administrative costs to MOMCODE during the first year of Circle operations (MOMCODE will begin to collect annual dues after your first year - see FAQ Do Circles Pay an annual Fee to MOMCODE? below). The New Circle Registration Fee is a reimbursable cost to the Circle once it is incorporated.

Do Circles pay an annual fee to MOMCODE?

Yes. Circles pay an annual registration fee, which is due to MOMCODE at the end of the Circle’s anniversary month each year after it is established. (So, if a Circle is founded in July, the first annual registration fee will be due by July 31 each subsequent year.) The fee is currently $12 per new and renewing dues-paying member out of the $24 membership dues paid to the Circle.

What are the geographic requirements for the boundaries of MOMCODE Circles?

There are no fixed geographic requirements for Circle boundaries. We envision that Circle boundaries will roughly correspond to city borders in most cases. The founders of a new Circle may propose boundaries based on the needs of their local communities, keeping in mind our CODE values of Community, Openness, Diversity and Empowerment. In areas where there is already an active Circle nearby, MOMCODE will help the founders establish boundaries that respect the existing Circle’s community.

What support does MOMCODE provide Circles?

MOMCODE Circles will receive access to our Circle Toolkit of online resources to manage their Circle, including guidelines, templates and samples. We also will provide model programming in each of our CODE areas that Circles can use for local activities, including our Kids Kindness Club and Diversity and Empowerment Book Club. We are currently in the start up phase of the organization, so resources, tools and programs are still in development and will be phased in over time. Ultimately, we plan to have a comprehensive online member management system in place for Circles.

In addition, Circles will have representation in our CODE Committees, which facilitate program development, information-sharing, best practices and lessons learned. (See FAQ “What is the Structure of the Organization?”) MOMCODE also plans to conduct annual Circle Board training and an annual conference with workshops and speakers.

What is the timeline for starting a Circle?

A new Circle can begin to grow as soon as there are local moms ready and willing to start it up. The timeframe from when the founding Board of a new Circle signs registration paperwork with MOMCODE to when it can officially begin collecting membership dues is approximately 1-3 months. (See FAQ “What is the process for starting a new MOMCODE Circle?”)

How does MOMCODE incorporate input from members and volunteers?

MOMCODE incorporates input from members and volunteers through our CODE Committees, which are mainly composed of volunteer Circle members. We also conduct annual membership surveys to facilitate organizational learning and assess the degree to which we are meeting our purpose and objectives.

Are there restrictions on Circle activities due to COVID?

All MOMCODE Circles are required to follow local and state health ordinances in conducting their activities. Circles also may develop additional guidelines for their local membership.

What programs do you offer to the public?

In 2021, we launched our Diversity and Empowerment Book Club and our Kids Kindness Club. This year we are working on expanding CODE programming at the local level through support to our Circles. Our timeline for delivering more robust CODE programming at the national level depends on support from our community members and Circles, both financially through donations and as volunteers. (See FAQ “Are you accepting volunteers?”)

Are you accepting volunteers?

Yes! We welcome volunteers who are passionate about our mission of building Communities of Open, Diverse and Empowered moms. Currently we are looking for volunteers with the following skills: website development, volunteer management, membership management, program management, fundraising, book keeping, event planning, education, writing/editing, community engagement, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training. We also are looking for volunteers to develop or facilitate online mini workshops, speaking engagements and/or discussion platforms. If you have any of these skills or the willingness to learn and contribute your time, please contact us!

How does MOMCODE address diversity and inclusion?

Diversity and Openness are two of MOMCODE’s core values and are integral to our nonprofit purpose and organizational structure. (See FAQ “What is MOMCODE’s organizational structure?”) Our Board is comprised of moms from different racial and cultural backgrounds and professional experiences who contribute their unique perspectives to governing the organization. Our Bylaws, CODE of Conduct, committee structure, organizational guidelines, and results framework all reflect our commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusion in MOMCODE programming.

What steps are you taking to make sure your leadership is transparent?

Openness is one of MOMCODE’s core values and is integral to our nonprofit purpose and organizational structure. (See FAQ “What is MOMCODE’s organizational structure?”) Our Bylaws and guidelines require transparency and accountability in governance, including biannual Board elections, annual financial reports, and compliance with our Conflict of Interest policy. We also have a CODE Committee structure that ensures open feedback between and among Circles and MOMCODE Leadership. The CODE Committees are primarily composed of Circle members and provide sharing of information, best practices and lessons learned, as well as overall guidance and input on MOMCODE programs and policies.

Do you have a question that was not answered here?

Feel free to complete our contact form or email momcodecircle@gmail.com.