Bylaws | More Than Mom

Bylaws of More Than Mom

Last updated April 2026

Our Mission: We envision a thriving village where every mother feels seen, supported, and accepted — mothering together in a community that values connection, belonging, and the inherent worth of each individual.

Our Vision 2026: To provide a welcoming, nurturing environment where mothering individuals connect through meaningful experiences, build lasting friendships, and grow their village -- supporting one another as they care for themselves, their families, and their community.

ARTICLE I

Name, Logo, and Offices

Name: The name of the club shall be More than Mom, Inc. (hereafter referred to as “MTM” or “Club”).
Legal Status: MTM is organized as a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation (EIN 87-3687602) under Chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws and has qualified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Logo: The MTM logo and branding may only be used with authorization from the Board. The Board shall maintain the official version of the logo. The official logo is attached as Appendix A.
Offices: The principal office of the Corporation shall be in the County of Hampden, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places as the Board of Directors may from time to time appoint or the purposes of the Corporation may require. The Board may change the location of the principal office as needed.

ARTICLE II

Purpose, Philosophy, and Definition

Purpose: MTM is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and social purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Such purposes include but are not limited to providing:
1. A supportive community to mothers of children of all ages, as well as expectant mothers, their families, and any who identify with and/or are actively engaged in a mothering role.
2. Educational and recreational resources in the local community for our members.
3. Opportunities for members to participate in Community Service activities .
Philosophy: MTM is first and foremost a community. What we get out of the Club is directly related to what we put into it. Our focus is to nurture the nurturers. Our goal is to promote the well-being of mothering individuals and children through support, friendship, education and sharing of resources, ideas, talents, and experiences. We will always strive to create an open and supportive environment for all members. We seek to create a sense of belonging and inclusivity, a place where all ideas are listened to, openly discussed, and given merit. We work to achieve our vision by being non-discriminatory and welcoming of all who identify with and/or are actively engaged in a mothering role.
MTM is a not-for-profit, member-led, volunteer-based group operating in the Greater Springfield area. The group aims to provide support to mothering individuals children of all ages, and surrounding community organizations with aligned missions.

ARTICLE III

Membership, Dues, Termination of Membership, and Guests

Membership: Membership is available to all adults who identify with and/or actively engage in a mothering role residing in or near the Club’s operating communities. Members may be mothers, expectant mothers, or other primary caregivers engaging in the role of mothering that would benefit from membership.
1. MTM will not tolerate any form of discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, age, disability, status, national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, predisposing genetic characteristics, and any other status protected by the law. This list is not exhaustive. MTM does not discriminate against any individual because of the aforementioned factors regarding membership nor any Club operations.
2. Membership within this Club will not be limited in number.
3. All members must accurately complete and e-sign a Membership Request for themselves. Each Membership Request must be completed and e-signed with the applicant’s own information. Doing so attests that a member has read and agreed to the Bylaws of the Club.
4. All members must pay annual dues as determined by a simple majority of the Board.
5. The Club may offer Sponsored Memberships to individuals who demonstrate financial need or other qualifying circumstances, as determined by the Board. Applicants must submit a Sponsored Membership Request Form through the More Than Mom official website. Applications shall be reviewed by the Board, and approval shall be granted at the Board’s discretion. Sponsored Memberships shall be valid for one membership year and may be renewed upon reapplication.
6. All members are encouraged to participate in at least two volunteer opportunities per year to support the Club. By participating in volunteer opportunities, members support the further growth of the club. Example volunteer opportunities include:
  1. Organizing or contributing to an event
  2. Hosting an event
  3. Participating in a Service Project
7. The Club maintains a private members-only internal website and MTM application. Visibility of some of this information such as name, contact information and other identifying information is customizable in the MTM application by members. Access to this information will be available only to MTM members. Members may not share or disclose other members’ information outside of MTM.
8. By attending an event, members and their families consent to be photographed or otherwise recorded, and consent to such photography/recording to be used for MTM communication, promotional purposes, and publicity in perpetuity. This agreement releases only MTM Officers toward using such photography/recording, and only in accordance with official MTM communications. Minor’s faces are not posted except in the private member group. Requests made to the Board to remove images will be honored when reasonably possible.
Membership Dues: Dues are non-refundable. The Membership runs from January 1st through December 31st. If a new member joins on or after July 1st, their dues are prorated to half for that first term. Then starting January 1st, when/if they renew, it will be at the full year rate. Members are responsible for renewing their membership each year to retain access to benefits. Members who have not renewed by January 31st shall be considered inactive and their membership will be automatically terminated. Inactive members will be removed from the roster, playgroups, and online groups, lists, and/or forums. Dues must be paid via the website www.mtmom.org or via the app.
Rejection of Membership: The Board may reject membership or membership renewal for any reason, if deemed necessary to uphold the mission and vision of the club.
1. The Board has 30 days from the beginning of renewal of membership to reject a member.
2. The Board must have a majority vote to reject a member.
3. If a member is rejected, dues will be refunded.
4. A rejection is in place for one calendar year unless otherwise specified. After that calendar year, the potential member is welcome to fill out the membership request form.
5. If a member requests to rejoin after previously being rejected, membership requests will be reviewed and voted upon by the acting Board. Membership approval requires a majority vote of the Board.
6. When a member is rejected, they will receive an email from a member of the Board to notify them of the rejection and when they can expect their dues to be refunded.
Termination of Membership: The Board may terminate membership for any reason, if deemed necessary to uphold the mission and vision of the club.
1. Members may voluntarily terminate their membership by notifying any member of the Board. Any dues already paid will be forfeited.
2. Examples for which the Board may request either standard or immediate termination include but are not limited to:
  1. A member or their child(ren) cause damage and/or harm to others of any kind.
  2. The Board has determined that a member’s conduct is inappropriate and/or is in conflict with the Mission, Vision and Bylaws of MTM.
  3. A member, their child(ren), and/or guest(s) violate the Code of Conduct Policy which can be found in Appendix B.
  4. Private club information is shared externally, including but not limited to other member’s private personal information or information about their children
  5. Intolerance of any kind (racial, religious, gender identity, disability, etc.)
  6. Improper use of club funds.
  7. Interfering with club elections.
3. The Termination Process is:
  1. Standard Termination
    1. First Offense: Member will be invited to discuss the situation at a Board or Special Meeting. The Board will vote to determine if a formal written warning will be distributed by simple majority vote.
    2. Second Offense: Member will be asked to leave MTM, and their dues will be forfeited.
  2. Immediate Termination
    1. No warning will be issued, and a member will be immediately terminated.
4. When a member is terminated, no refunds will be issued to the member.
5. If a member requests to rejoin after previously being terminated by the Board, membership requests will be reviewed and voted upon by the acting Board after one calendar year has lapsed. Membership approval requires a majority vote of the acting Board.
Guests: Guests are welcome at all Club activities, events, and playgroups, only if permission is obtained by a Board Member and/or the host in advance. Members are responsible for ensuring their guests adhere to the MTM Code of Conduct which can be found in Appendix B.

ARTICLE IV

Board Members

The Board: At a minimum, there must be three (3) Officers and consist of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Board reserves the right to create or delete any position with discretion. Some positions may be held by more than one individual (i.e., Co-Directors) during the same term. Officers who need a deputy to help fulfill their duties may do so with Board approval, except for the President. Board Members may hold more than one position in a term of office if the need arises.
Duties and Responsibilities: Each Officer is provided a list of typical responsibilities at the beginning of their term and/or outgoing Officer will provide an informal transition to their successors. This may include conversations, sharing of documents, and guidance regarding ongoing projects and responsibilities. Role descriptions can change at the discretion of the Board. The Board works together to tailor positions to the skill sets of all Board Members when desired or possible.
Eligibility for the Board: Only members are eligible for the Board. The Board consists of all current Officers. Officers who choose to continue in their position for a second term must keep their membership dues current.
Selection Process: Announcements regarding positions open for the coming year will be made in November and a request made for volunteers. Announcements of vacant positions happening at other times during the year will be made as they occur, and volunteers requested at that time. The Board reserves the right to decline a volunteer from being appointed to a position by unanimous vote. If there is more than one volunteer for a position, an election will be held, or the volunteers may choose to serve as co-Chairs at the discretion of the Board. If there are no volunteers, the Board will first solicit nominations, then, if necessary, recruit a member, or finally take on the position in an “acting” role until it can be filled.
1. The President must be nominated by at least one Board Member.
2. The Secretary shall be a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts unless the Board has appointed a resident agent for the service of process appointed in the manner prescribed by law.
3. Elections
  1. In the event an election is necessary, a ballot will be made providing the names and pictures of the candidates, and a brief paragraph detailing why that candidate would like the position.
  2. The vote will be managed, reviewed, and tallied by a special election committee of at least three members not associated with the current Board or the candidates.
  3. The election committee will be formed on a volunteer basis.
  4. Voting will be anonymous, and the winner will be determined by the highest number of votes. In the event of a tie, the candidates may co-Chair or the Board may issue a runoff vote. The Board will confirm the winner.
4. Creation of New Board Position: If a new Board position is created, the Board has the right to appoint a member to the first term without a general election. The newly created position will follow the Terms of Office as defined below.
Terms of Office: The Term of Office is 12 months, unless otherwise agreed on by the President (prior to the start of service) starting on January 1 and ending on the corresponding December 31. Board Members may choose to continue in their chair Officer position for an additional 12 months. In order to continue in an Officer position after a total of 24 months of continuous service, the member must be re-elected for another term. There are no limits on the number of terms a member can serve on the Board if the Club is satisfied with the member’s performance.
Resignation: Board Members who cannot complete their term of service should notify the President as soon as possible. Board Members are encouraged to stay on the board for a minimum of two years.
1. If a Board Position becomes vacant or is created in the middle of a term, a new Board Member will be elected in the interim and will serve until the corresponding December 31, at which point a formal election will be conducted.
Removal Process: Any Member may petition to have a Board Member removed.
1. The petition must specify which aspects of the Board Member’s role they have not fulfilled or why their presence is no longer productive for the Club.
2. The petition must be provided to a Board member, and the following steps will then take place:
  1. The petitioning member will meet with the President and/or Vice President to discuss the report.
  2. The President/VP will then hold a closed meeting with the Board Member in question to resolve the issue.
  3. If no resolution or improvement is made, the Board, excluding the Board Member in question, will vote on the removal. A two-thirds majority vote is required to remove a Board Member.
Compensation and Expenses: Members and the Board shall not receive any stated salary for their services. The Board of Directors shall have power in its discretion to contract for and to pay to members rendering unusual or special services to the Club special compensation appropriate to the value of such services.
Contracts and Services:
1. Officers may not have personal, professional, or financial interests that adversely impact the Club. An Officer with a financial or personal interest in a matter before the Club must disclose that interest to the Board and should a vote be needed that the officer in question will recuse themselves.
2. Any contract or transaction in which an Officer has an interest must: Be fair and reasonable to the Club; be approved in accordance with the Club’s conflict of interest policy; and not result in private benefit or jeopardize the Club’s tax-exempt status under applicable law. No Officer may use their position for personal financial gain.
Indemnity of Officers: To the fullest extent permitted by Massachusetts law, More Than Mom shall indemnify its officers and directors against liabilities incurred in the performance of their duties, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct

ARTICLE V

Board Obligations and General Meetings

Board Meetings: Board Meetings are intended for all Board Members and will occur monthly. The Secretary will prepare a Meeting Agenda before the meeting. Board Members who have agenda items should notify the Secretary at least 24 hours before the meeting. The Board strives for unanimous consensus. When a vote is required, decisions are made by a simple majority unless otherwise specified in these bylaws. A simple majority vote may be taken to resolve issues as needed.
1. Virtual Board Voting: The Board may also vote on matters electronically between meetings, provided that all Board members are notified and the vote is recorded in the minutes.
Board Obligations:
1. Annual Report: The Board of Directors, pursuant to Chapter 180 of the General Law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall file an annual report, verified by the President and Treasurer or by a majority of the Directors, showing in appropriate detail the following: (a) the assets and liabilities, including the trust funds of the Corporation as of the end of the fiscal year immediately preceding the annual meeting, which shall be not more than four (4) months prior to such meeting; (b) the principal changes in assets and liabilities, including trust funds, during the year immediately preceding the date of the report; (c) the revenue or receipts of the Corporation, both unrestricted and restricted to particular purposes, for the year immediately preceding the date of the report; (d) the expenses or disbursements of the Corporation, for both general and restricted purposes, during the year immediately preceding the date of the report; (e) the number of members of the Corporation as of the date of the report, together with a statement of increase or decrease in such number during the year immediately preceding the date of report, and a statement of the place where the names and addresses of the current members may be found. The annual report of Directors shall be filed with the records of the Corporation and an abstract thereof entered in the minutes of the proceeding of the annual meeting of members.
2. Tax Filing: The Board of Directors shall ensure that all required federal, state, and local tax filings and reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including filings necessary to maintain the Club’s tax-exempt status.
3. Annual Form-PC: The Board is responsible for making sure our Massachusetts charitable filing (Form PC) is submitted each year, in accordance with applicable law.
General Meetings: General Meetings are intended for members and are held twice per year. Notice shall be provided at least seven days in advance. All members are encouraged to attend. The agenda is set by the Board and can be made available prior to the meeting. General Meeting Agenda items will be discussed at the board meeting prior to the scheduled general meeting or prepared by a subcommittee appointed by the board.
Special Meetings: A Board Member can call for an additional Board Meeting/Special Meeting at any time. An additional Board Meeting will occur if 2/3rds of the Board Members agree to holding it. Special meetings being called will be scheduled by unanimous agreement. The member calling the special meeting is responsible for preparing the meeting agenda unless the Secretary otherwise states they can accept the responsibility. Members may vote on matters expressly submitted to them by the Board. Unless otherwise stated, the Board retains decision-making authority.
Attendance at Meetings: Board Members are expected to attend General Meetings and Board Meetings. Meetings are necessary to discuss timely issues and may be held virtually or in person as deemed appropriate by the board. Officers shall come to meetings prepared to speak on their position. If unable to attend a meeting, Board Members should notify the President/Secretary and provide comments to the Secretary prior to the meeting.
Quorum: At any meeting of the Board, a majority of the Board Members, one of whom must be either the President or Vice President, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lesser number may without further notice adjourn the meeting to any other time.

ARTICLE VI

Budget and Fundraising

Budget: MTM operates on a fiscal year of January 1 to December 31. All Board Members who use funds from the budget must consult with the President and Treasurer to help determine the MTM Budget.
1. The Treasurer shall prepare a preliminary budget for the following fiscal year based on prior year’s spend and present to the Board.
2. The Board will meet to approve the budget, including determining which activities, events, and fundraisers the Club should sponsor in the coming year and the monies allocated to them.
3. Receipts are required for reimbursement.
4. An annual income statement will be presented to the general membership.
5. Adjustments to the budget can be made over the fiscal year as membership increases and/or at the discretion of the Board.
6. The President, Vice President, or Treasurer may approve expenditures up to $100. Expenditures over this amount require approval of at least two additional Board Members.
7. MTM is a not-for-profit organization. All monies raised either through member dues, fundraisers, or donations will be spent on resources, activities, and events for MTM members and the community. Any balance will carry forward from one year to the next to be spent on future resources, activities, and events.
8. In the event of dissolution or liquidation of More Than Mom, Inc., after payment of just debts and liabilities, all remaining assets shall be distributed to The Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts of Springfield, Massachusetts or similar organization that at the time qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. No member shall be entitled to share in the distribution of the corporate assets upon the dissolution of the Club.
Fundraising: Funds may be collected at MTM organized events, at businesses willing to participate in fundraising or special community events but not through door to door fundraising drives. All fundraising efforts must be approved by the Board prior to implementation and sponsored by a Board Member. Fundraising may occur for specific events, partnering organizations or to benefit other efforts of the group including but not limited to member sponsorship and support or to ease operating costs.
Minimum Operating Reserve: MTM will always operate with a minimum reserve of at least $500.

ARTICLE VII

Amendment Procedures

Amendment Procedures: Bylaws will be reviewed annually at the first Board Meeting of the calendar year or as needed determined by the Board. Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the Board Members. The Board reserves the right to take temporary action outside of these Bylaws as needed to protect members safety or MTM assets and community relations but must document the reason and ratify the action at the next Board meeting.
1. Any member of the Club wishing to amend the Bylaws will need to present a written proposal for the amendment to the Board. The Board will then cast a simple majority vote on the proposal.
Corporate Records: The original or attested copies of the Articles of Organization, Bylaws, and records of all meetings of incorporators and members shall be kept in Massachusetts at the principal office of the Club or of the Secretary, but such corporate records need not all be kept in the same office. They shall be available at all reasonable times for inspection by any member for any purpose in the proper interest of the member relative to the affairs of the Club.

Appendix A: Logo

Appendix B: Code of Conduct

Behavior

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to establish guidelines for members at all More Than Mom, Inc. (“the club”) functions; when interacting with other members, guests, or family of members; or interacting with the community on behalf of the club. This policy allows for the removal of members from the club roster with dues forfeited if they violate the guidelines established and set forth herein after the appropriate warnings are issued. The final decision will rest with the Board. All members of the club shall be bound by this Code of Conduct.

Members have a right to:

Be treated fairly, equally and with respect by the club, its Board, and other members.
Socialize in an environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination.
Privacy and confidentiality concerning records, documentation and any other communication containing a member’s personal information, unless consent is otherwise provided.
Be informed and actively involved in all club events and offerings.
Voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions to the Board.

Members must:

Treat other members, guests, staff of venues and other patrons (where a function is being held) fairly, equally and with respect and courtesy.
Behave responsibly and ensure they conduct themselves in a manner which will not injure the

reputation of the club, organizers, participants, or sponsors.

Not physically or verbally harass others.
Refrain from “mom shaming”. There are many ways to parent and mother. Please do not offer

unsolicited advice or opinions to other parents.

Report any inappropriate behavior of a member or guest to the Board of the club for documentation and follow-up action.
Pay any fees in relation to an event or offering (e.g. tickets or memberships) which that member has committed to, regardless of whether the member attends the event or not.
Notify the club’s Membership Chair of any changes to personal information required to maintain member registration, such as address, email address, phone number or dependents.
Not use their membership privileges to purchase tickets to any event or other offering, at a membership price, for nonmembers of the club.
No member shall use physical or obscene gestures toward any other member of the group, their children, or with outsiders while at an event or conducting group business (advertisers, business owners, other people present at public place events, etc...)
Members shall refrain from malicious gossip, negative criticism, or any harassment regarding other members of the group in person, via phone, e-mail, or social media.
All members shall be considerate and respectful of other members and their property.

Members shall not misuse private membership information (phone numbers, email addresses, street addresses, etc...) for home-based businesses, solicitation, divulging or selling information, etc...nor for sharing in any way outside the purposes of the club and without explicit permission of the member.
Members are responsible for reimbursing the club for bank service charge fees related to bounced

checks or insufficient funds for dues or any other monies they owe the club.

Abide by the club Code of Conduct and Bylaws and uphold the Mission and Vision of the club.
Parents are responsible for the actions and the safety of all their children. At times you might ask a fellow member for help with supervising a child. Please understand that although this is accepted, the parent is ultimately responsible for their child and/or any of their guests. Members always reserve the right to decline a request to supervise another’s child, especially if they believe there are any safety concerns for anyone involved. The club is in no way responsible for the actions or safety of any child at any time.

To ensure a safe, supportive atmosphere, we ask the following when interacting with children:

When disciplining your child, please speak in a quiet, calm and respectful voice or remove the child from the area.
Please do not discipline another parent’s child without the parent’s explicit permission. If disruptive behavior occurs and the disruptor is not your child, please inform the child’s parent immediately.
Do not engage in negative gossip or demeaning comments about another member or the member’s children. If an issue exists, it is expected the Board will be notified and the concerned parties will not engage in discussions regarding the issue unless further prompted by the Board.
When an activity involves children, it is expected that the Member will ensure their child behaves appropriately. High emotions and low impulse control is a common combination for young children and others at varying levels of developmental needs, and we understand that outbursts can happen. However, it is expected that the member will ensure any unacceptable behavior of their child is immediately stopped and remedied. This may involve leaving or being asked to leave the function. If a trend of unacceptable behaviors continues, the member accepts that the Board may limit their child’s participation in events until the child’s behavior is resolved.
Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to:

Hitting
Scratching
Kicking
Biting
Spitting
Slapping
Destroying Property
Overly Aggressive Behavior
Rude or disrespectful behavior
Foul language or gestures
Intimidating smaller children
Disturbing behavior

Breaches of this Code of Conduct:

Any member not behaving in accordance with the terms of the Code of Conduct at an event of the club

may be asked to leave the function and will not be entitled to a refund of any monies paid. The inappropriate behavior of any members will be documented, investigated, discussed and an appropriate course of action will be taken by the Board, which may be subject to a reprimand, suspension or revocation of membership.

In appropriate circumstances, the Board may refer a breach of the Code of Conduct to ASC’s People & Culture department for handling in accordance with the grievance and disciplinary procedures set out in

the People & Culture Manual (CMS-51763).

Illness

Please do not attend any group functions if you or a family member is sick. This is very important since there are pregnant and nursing mothers, small children, and immunocompromised members and family members. The group defines sickness as: having a fever, vomiting, diarrhea or any other illness in the previous 48 hours. Also considered ill is a person with nasal discharge other than clear. Anyone exposed to ANY communicable disease is considered sick until they are through the incubation period. It is expected that you will use your best judgement when determining whether it is appropriate to attend an activity. Please inform a Board member if your child is diagnosed with an illness and you have recently attended a group activity so we can inform parents with kids who may have been exposed.

Vaccination Policy

All parents and children who attend any in person event must be up to date with the standard recommended vaccinations as set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As it cannot be guaranteed that other members of the public are following a standard immunization schedule, this policy does not apply to events held at public locations. The health of our families is paramount, and exposure to disease is of the greatest concern for infants who are too young to begin an immunization regimen. Though there is still a risk of infection for people who have been vaccinated, the greater risk is to those who have not and are very young. The Oxford dictionary offers the following as a definition for community, “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result

of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” The club is a community, and each member has an obligation to protect the weakest in the community. For this reason, it is our expectation that all members are vaccinated against Covid-19 and will obtain all suggested boosters that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest. It is our policy that only members who have obtained at least two vaccinations for Covid-19 within the last 12 months are allowed to attend in person events.

Playdate Safety Guidelines

All home and yard areas being used for playdates should be child proofed for the youngest child attending. All pets must be kept outside or in another room away from the group, unless everyone present agrees that the animal may roam about freely. All weapons and sharp objects should be kept out of reach of all children. All firearms and ammunition must be secured in a locked location (e.g., a safe). There must be no smoking during playdates. Always remember that you are responsible for the safety of your children. If you are uncomfortable about the safety at ANY event, please voice your concerns to the hostess or a Board member so we can remedy the problem for future activities.