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Please read the Parenting Network Community Agreements before beginning the enrollment process.

Once you have read the Community Agreements, please complete the new participant process:

• Fill out our Parenting Network application: https://triborotots.org/parentingnetwork/apply/
• Pay your invoice of $15 which covers you for 3 months! Or pay a reduced rate of $50 for the year!
• We will send a welcome email with a link to join our private community.

Tri-Boro Tots Parenting Network Community Agreements

Name of Program

The name of the program shall be the Tri-Boro Tots Parenting Network (referred to hereafter as the “Network” or “Program”). 

Purpose 

The Network is organized for the purpose of providing parents of children from late pregnancy (3rd trimester) through age six with a social, educational and recreational resource in the local communities of Bloomingdale, Butler, Kinnelon and surrounding towns in Northern Morris and Passaic Counties, New Jersey. The Network creates opportunities to explore the nature of parenthood and to enjoy the process as we live through it. All activities sponsored by the Network are done within the realm of this purpose and are not for profit; Tri-Boro Tots, Inc is a 501(c) (3). This organization does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit from the Parenting Network participants thereof and is organized for nonprofit purposes. Joining the Network is open to anyone with a child or children aged six and under without regard to race, creed, color or religion. There is no class structure to the Network. All participants pay the same fees and maintain the same level of status in the Program. All participants in good standing are eligible to volunteer pursuant to the rules laid out in this document. Consistent with the goals, and character of the Program, the Network limits its participation to parents living within the community and surrounding areas. While children are welcome to attend many Network activities, the main focus is on parenting and family issues.

How the Network Works

We are a volunteer-led social and support group for parents of children from late pregnancy (3rd trimester) through age six. Every participant will be encouraged to volunteer, participate, and share their ideas and talents.  All announcements are made and activities are organized via Network’s Facebook page and MightyNetwork Community, which participants are added to upon compliance with all Requirements in the Agreements and administrative approval. The Organizing Board & Coordinators oversees all Network activities (see Organizing Board section below).  

The Network is not intended to be political, partisan, or sectarian. However, as part of a larger community, the group may provide a forum to openly and fairly discuss current issues and concerns of parents and children, with the Organizing Board’s approval. 

Fees

• The Network will derive the majority of its financial support through an annual fee.
• The fee  is $50.00 per year, which is due on April 1st of each year. New participant fees will be prorated if a participant joins in the middle of the fiscal year.
• Beginning in November of each year, participant fees will include the prorated amount for the rest of the year and Fees for the following year. 
• Fees must be paid by online payment.
• Fees may be adjusted annually. Any change in the amount of fees must be approved by the Organizing Board. Increases of less than 20% do not need a Community Agreements amendment vote. See below for Community Agreements Amendment Procedure.
• Fees must be current in order to remain an active participant of the Program and participate in any Network function.
• Payment of fees acknowledges acceptance of current agreements.

Requirements

• The Network requires that all participants treat each other with honesty and respect. If the Co-Organizers receive complaints regarding a participant misrepresenting themselves, harassing other participants, or acting in a disrespectful manner (whether in-person, in writing, or through the Network Facebook page), the Co-Organizers and/or Organizing Board reserve the right to revoke that person’s participation in the Network.  The Program is not responsible for mediating disagreements between participants. 

1. Participants of the Tri-Boro Tots Parenting Network must live in Bloomingdale, Butler, Kinnelon or the surrounding areas within Northern Morris and Passaic Counties. Most Program activities are centered in the Tri-Boro area of Bloomingdale, Butler and Kinnelon, NJ.
   1. If an active participant moves to a location outside of the required program area, their status will remain active as long as the participant’s fees stay current and the participant is in compliance with all other requirements.
2. While participation is available to any parent in the above-described areas, the Program focuses its activities and programs on parents in late pregnancy (3rd trimester) and children between the ages of birth through six years.
   1. Participant status will remain active until all of the family’s children pass the age of six.  The participant’s status will remain active through the remainder of that fiscal year.  
3. Participants must pay non-refundable fees via GiveButter or Venmo. Participants will immediately lose access to Network’s Facebook pages upon expiration of their participation.
4. The Network prohibits the purchase of alcohol using Network funds.
5. Participants must commit to participating in the Sunshine Care Package program. Please see the “Sunshine” subsection for details.
6. All participants must verify their identity with a government-issued ID when joining the group.
7. All participants are required to comply with the General Courtesies set forth below and all other provisions of the Community Agreements.  Failure to comply is grounds for revocation from the program. 
8. Upon compliance with all of the aforementioned requirements and administrative approval, a participant is added to the Network Facebook group.  
9. Ultimately participant approval is at the discretion of the Organizing Board.

General Courtesies

• Guidelines for older siblings and caregivers:
  • Families and older children can participate in Program activities, but it is the families’ responsibility to use discretion to ensure that the presence of older children in no way detracts from the ability of the younger children to freely enjoy Network activities. Network activities are geared toward children from birth to age six. It is the participant’s responsibility to adhere to Network’s guidelines.
• Parents or caregivers are responsible for the well-being, safety, and behavior of their children and guests when attending playgroup and social functions.
• Do not attend playgroups or functions when you or your child is ill. Help and encourage your children to pick up toys when the playgroup is over.
• In the spirit of support and cooperation, damaging or derogatory remarks about fellow program participants or any aspects of Network will not be tolerated. Inability to openly accept differences among the Parenting Network body can result in a revocation of the offending party’s program participation.
• While the Network is not responsible for mediating disagreements between participants. We do require that all participants treat each other with honesty and respect. 
• If the Co-Organizers receive complaints regarding a participant misrepresenting themselves, harassing other participants, or acting in a disrespectful manner, the Co-Organzers and/or Organizing Board reserve the right to revoke that person’s participation.
• If you are unable to attend a function you previously committed to attend, please change your RSVP on the event page.  For events that require advance payment, refunds are not available. In the event the Network cancels the event, refunds will be made.
• Participants wanting to promote their own businesses or services are required to join the Network Parents in Business subgroup. Any self-promotion will be approved by that group. Any unapproved self-promotion will be removed and repeated violations are grounds for revocation of participation .
• Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available and must be approved by the Co-Organizers. 
• Participants are not permitted to use the “Tri-Boro Tots” or “Tri-Boro Tots Parenting Network” name as an endorsement for their product or service. 
• The participating family directory is for Network use only. The directory is not intended to be used as a commercial mailing list, email list, or phone list for the Network or outside organizations.

Termination

• Voluntary Termination

A participant may voluntarily terminate their Network involvement by notifying the Co-Organizers. Fees are non-refundable.

• Involuntary Suspension and Termination

The Organizing Board or Co-Organizers may request immediate suspension or termination of a person’s participation for violations of any provision of the Community Agreements. Complaints about any participant’s behavior brought to the Organizing Board or Co-Organizers will be reviewed and may result in immediate suspension or termination.  If a participant is suspended or terminated, the participant will be notified in writing. If a participation is suspended or terminated, fees are not refundable.

Guests

Guests are welcome to attend public events. Guests are also able to attend one Network program participants-only social event provided they are with a participant or have prior approval by a co-organizer. If the event is at a private residence, the guest must also have the host’s prior approval. Participants are responsible for informing guests of fees, contributions, program rules and personal responsibilities.

Sunshine 

All participants commit to participating in the Sunshine Care Package program. A portion of the annual fee participants pay ($10 of the $50 annual fee) is allocated to our Sunshine Fund to ensure Network participants are cared for and celebrated by the Network. A sub-committee known as the “Sunshine Committee” shall exist to express congratulations, sympathy or concern to participants in the Network in the event of welcoming a new baby, illness, bereavement or other milestone events.

The Sunshine Coordinator keeps advised of Network families who are expecting, ill, bereaved or are celebrating some milestone event by working with the other coordinators. Along with the committee and with the support of all participants, the Sunshine Coordinator:

• Send cards or other appropriate acknowledgments to program participants as needed.
• Coordinates care packages and/or meal trains for families welcoming new babies

Having a new baby is exciting, but can also feel isolating. Please notify the Sunshine Coordinator, if you are a mom and have a baby (birth to 6 months postpartum) and would like to be connected to a fellow mom in Network.

Participants who need help from the Network due to a loss in their family or surgery can also contact the Sunshine Coordinator and ask for assistance. The Sunshine Coordinator and Co-Organizers can use their discretion in these situations.

Newsletter

1. The Network will provide a monthly electronic newsletter for each program participant. The newsletter will communicate Program resources, activities, current events, and community services pertinent to participation.
2. Paid advertising for outside services for current participants is offered at a discount and is available in the newsletter.
3. The newsletter may not be used to espouse political or sectarian views. All content is subject to scrutiny by the Organizing Board, and may not be published if it is deemed too controversial.
4. Newsletter content, including calendar listings for Program events, is due the 21st of every month, and may be submitted by any participant of the Network. It is up to the discretion of the newsletter editor and/or the Co-Organizers as to the content of the newsletter.

Recreation

1. The Network will fund events and parties as the budget allows. These events are open to all participants with the goal of providing a safe and fun environment for meeting new people and bringing families together.
2. The Network will host several “Moms Only” events during the year. These events are geared at providing participants with a social outlet and offering them unique opportunities outside of the home.
3. The Network will support “Sub-Groups.”  These sub groups within the Network will focus on select activities and further provide participants with a resource for networking and sharing common interests. Each will have a participant act as the sub-group coordinator to organize and run the special interest group. All program participants are welcome to join a sub-group.
4. Playgroups are designed to benefit the children of Network participants. They provide a time to help build social interaction among young children. Playgroups will comprise mostly of parents and their child(ren), but other caregivers may join and attend with the child(ren), such as nannies, grandparents, aunts, etc. 

All program participants are welcome to create their own meetups or playdates. 

Service

The Network will have a focus on community service via the Service team on the Organizing Board. The Network will source various needs within the community and encourage participation and contributions.

Communications

All Program communications will be made via Network’s Monthly Email Newsletter, Facebook page and MightyNetwork community. 

The Network Online Forum

The Network Online Forum is available via the Program’s Facebook page and is accessible by anyone who is a current program participant of the Tri-Boro Tots Parenting Network. Its purpose is to provide a comfortable, easy, helpful and safe place for our participants to network and support other parents in our community.

Whether you have questions about parenting a toddler, want to find a new daycare facility, or need to find some family-friendly restaurants, there’s a pretty good chance a Network program participant has an experience to share. Supporting each other is what this group is about.

Please keep postings civil and within the Network guidelines. The forum is moderated and if inappropriate items are posted, they will be removed, and appropriate restrictions imposed (see bottom paragraph). The guidelines can be accessed anytime in the pinned post on Facebook. All updates to the guidelines will be announced to the Network via the main Facebook group. All participants must abide by the Facebook Guidelines which are incorporated herein by reference.

Organizing Board

The Network shall have an Organizing Board. Organizing Board positions may be changed as needed at the discretion of the Board without formally amending the Community Agreements. All Organizing Board members are requested to attend a monthly Community Meeting. All Organizing Board members are eligible to vote. The term of each office is one (1) year commencing April 1.

Organizing Board Meetings

• Meetings are held monthly at 7:30pm. The day of the meeting is usually the fourth Monday of every month, but may be changed without agreement amendment if needed.
• The Community meetings are used to discuss Network business.
• Meetings are held at the homes of Organizing Board program participants, or other locations determined by the Organizing Board. The agenda is put together by the Co-Organizers. Any Network participant wishing to add a topic to the agenda should contact a Co-Organizer prior to the fourth Monday of each month.
• Any current Network participant is welcome to attend Community Meetings. Please RSVP to one of the Co-Organizers if you wish to attend.

Duties of the Officers

• All Organizing Board members are expected to attend monthly Community Meeting.
• Please respond promptly to all emails and meeting invitations regarding your attendance at the meeting.
• Organizing Board members shall, when appropriate and necessary, submit a write-up for the monthly newsletter.
• When possible, each member should inform a Co-Organizer of pertinent activities and agenda items prior to the Community Meeting.

Budget and Expenses

The Co-Organizers and the Treasurer must create and approve the budget for the year ahead (April 1-March 31). The budget will be presented to the incoming Organizing Board, who will have the opportunity to object with reasonable cause to line items.

Expense Reports

In order to ensure accurate cash flow reporting (budget vs. actual), expense reports with itemized (where applicable) receipts must be submitted within 30 days of incurred expense(s) in order to be reimbursed. Exceptions to this may be made by an affirmative vote of 3/4 of the Organizing Board members present. Likewise, expenses incurred in excess of budget will not be reimbursed without an affirmative vote of 3/4 of the Organizing Board members present. Expenses submitted at the end of the fiscal year will not be eligible for reimbursement. Any expenditure of $200 needs pre-approval by the Co-Organizers.

Change of Leadership/Yearly Transition

Prerequisites for positions:

1. To be considered for an Organizing Board position (Co-Organizer, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator) one must have
   1.  fulfilled at least a six-month term in any Coordinator position AND
   2. have been a Network participant for at least six months AND
   3. Accept the terms of duration the office being one year from April 1 to March 31 (12 months).

Method of Selection

• All Organizing Board positions shall be filled on a volunteer basis. Persons wishing to fill a position should volunteer to the current Co-Organizers by a date specified by the Organizing Board, and most likely the annual Organizing Board Information Party (February).
• If more than one person volunteers for any position, the duties may be shared at the discretion of the Organizing Board or the Co-Organizers in the event of a midterm vacancy. If more than two participants volunteer for the same position, the Organizing Board will take a vote. The exception to this is the Co-Organizer, who is chosen by the sitting Co-Organizer.
• If no one volunteers for a position, the Organizing Board will approach a participant to accept the duty. Ultimately, if no volunteer is found, the function of that committee will be discontinued until a volunteer is found.
• The open positions to be filled will be announced in the newsletter, Facebook group, and the Community Meetings at least a month prior to the scheduled turnover.
• Organizing Board members shall not serve in the same position for more than two consecutive terms, unless the position is uncontested and the Organizing Board member wishes to continue in that position for a third term.
• Any Organizing Board member who cannot complete their term of office is requested to contact a Co-Organizer 30 days prior to their resignation (when possible).

Community Agreements Amendment Procedure

The Community Agreements may be amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Organizing Board members present at a Community Meeting. Any Network participant wishing to amend these agreements will follow this procedure:

• Present a written proposal of an amendment at the Community Meeting. 
• The participant must be present to vote.
• The adopted amendment will be posted in the agreements on the Tri-Boro Tots Parenting Network website.
• Agreements will be reviewed at the Community Meeting at the beginning of the new program year (April).

Agreements Acknowledgment

In order to participate in the Network, all participants must accept and adhere to these agreements.

The Tri-Boro Tots Parenting Network and its officers shall not be held liable or responsible for the actions of its participants, their children and/or guests.  Network will indemnify or defend its officers for any liability or potential liability arising out of Group activities. Each participant is responsible for the safety and behavior of her own child/children and must acknowledge that they have read and understand these agreements to participate in Network activities. 

In the event the Parenting Network program comes to an end, the program’s funds will be allocated to Tri-Boro Tots, Inc to fund the overall mission to make the Tri-Boro area the best place to raise a family, once all expenses are paid.

Notwithstanding any of the above statements of purposes and powers, the Network shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the specific purposes of the program.

We hereby certify that the above declarations accurately represent the organizational structure of the Tri-Boro Tots Parenting Network, its purpose, and its operating philosophy. 

Adopted January 2024. Updated September 2024.

END OF COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS