Making Moms a BIG DEAL Nina flippance and the momS Club of fargo
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ina Flippance needed some gentle prodding to walk in the door of her first playdate. “I had to be persuaded,” Flippance said of that first fateful gathering with other members of the MOMS Club of Fargo-IR (immunization required). “I was intimidated by the size of the club.” Her uneasiness melted away within moments of meeting other full- or part-time stay-at-home and work-at-home moms who make up the local chapter of MOMS Club. “There was someone like me in there,” she said. “And no matter who joins there will always be someone who you relate to. Older moms. Older kids. Younger moms. Younger kids. People who live in apartments. People who live in houses. MOMS Club has a wide range of people with a wide range of backgrounds.” When the non-profit MOMS Club was looking for its next volunteer president, Flippance, who grew up active in 4H and worked in daycares during college, thought she’d be a great fit. So did other members who had witnessed Flippance’s love for her own nearly two-year-old daughter and her organizational skills. “She’s organized, business- and goal-oriented and most importantly, friendly and approachable,” said Jacalyn Oster of Fargo, MOMS Club member and mom of two children. When asked about her duties as president, Flippance
hauls out one of two huge binders that she carries with her wherever she goes. Flipping open its pages, she reads from a list of responsibilities outlined by the governing MOMS Club body who oversees the more than 2,100 chapters in the nation. “I run meetings, act as a liaison between our group and the community, help organize activities, respond to corporate inquiries, recruit new members, and ensure we’re operating soundly,” said Flippance. “Basically, I’m responsible for our 53 members and how we operate in our community and through the international organization.” According to its website, www.momsclub.org, MOMS Club is “a support group designed just for you, the at-home mother of today. You are interested in the world around you, want a variety of activities for you and your children, and are proud of your choice of at-home mothering for your families.” The local chapter that Flippance oversees serves West Fargo, Fargo and Moorhead. At home playdates, park meetups, library gatherings, meal deliveries to new moms, monthly business meetings and mom’s night out events are just some of the things members get to do. “We’re also required by the governing board to perform at least one service project a year,” explained Flippance. “We’ve done a March of Dimes walk and have participated in the Macy’s Letters to Santa program.” Although Flippance has been at the helm of MOM’s Club for less than a year, members like Angela Bartsh of Fargo say her impact has been immediate. “She is organized and has a nononsense attitude. She understands that everyone has an opinion and listens to them and encourages the MOMS Club members to listen so we can make a decision as a club,” said Bartsh, mom of two. “She understands and knows that it is not just one person or a small group of people that we are trying to help but a large group of moms. She is strong and not afraid to let people know how it is going to be so business can get done.” Flippance’s take-charge attitude is something she gave meticulous thought to and she feels strongly that MOMS Club needs a leader who is willing to encourage members to routinely