Frequently Asked Questions
What is Metro Mothers Network?
What are the programs offered by Metro Mothers Network?
Where are the programs offered?
When are the programs offered during the year?
What is the format of the programs?
What do I wear to the programs that include an exercise component?
What kind of childcare do the MumNet and MumVet programs offer?
What kind of exercise do the MumNet and MumVet programs offer?
What if I cannot participate in the exercise segment of the program?
How do I register for the programs?
How much are the fees per term?
What payment method is accepted for registration?
How do I register for a program if I join after the Fall Registration?
Who do I contact to inquire about space availability at a specific group?
Am I committed for the entire year if I register in the fall?
Do I need to line up to register for the Winter and Spring terms?
Can I pre-register before the Fall Registration (in September)?
Can I register for the Winter and Spring terms during the Fall Registration?
Why does Metro Mothers Network have to fundraise?
What are typical fundraising events?
What volunteer positions are currently available?
Who do I contact to inquire about a specific volunteer position?
Why are volunteers so important to Metro Mothers Network?
How can I volunteer to be on the MumNet Board?
What is the advertising policy of Metro Mothers Network?
Who can participate in the Message Boards?
How do I register for the Message Boards?
How can I contact the Website Administrator with questions about the Message Boards?
What is Metro Mothers Network?
Metro Mothers Network is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization that offers a network of support and friendship through weekly meetings that include exercise, discussion and on-site childcare (MumNet and MumVet). Our organization is run by volunteer women and offers programs for mothers throughout the greater Toronto area. We are not affiliated with any cultural groups or religious denomination and embrace all mothers without discrimination.
What are the programs offered by Metro Mothers Network?
There are currently two programs offered:
MumNet (exercise, discussion and on-site childcare for new mothers and mothers with small children)
MumVet (exercise, discussion and on-site childcare for mothers with school-aged children)
Where are the programs offered?
Programs are run from various community spaces across Toronto. There are currently 9 MumNet programs, and 5 MumVet programs offered in the greater Toronto area.
When are the programs offered during the year?
MumNet and MumVet programs are divided into three terms: Fall (September to December), Winter (January to March) and Spring (March to May). There are no programs offered during the summer.
The MumNet and MumVet programs meet from 9:15am to 11:15am during the week. Please consult the location list to determine what day of the week your program is held.
What is the format of the programs?
For MumNet and MumVet programs, the weekly meetings include a 45-minute group exercise program conducted by certified fitness instructors and a one-hour discussion period facilitated by volunteer leaders. On-site childcare is offered. The discussion format ranges from informal discussions to guest speakers and are designed to encourage friendships and a sense of community. Topics focus on matters related to the health, education and emotional well being of mothers, their children and their relationships.
What do I wear to the programs that include an exercise component?
Members are asked to wear comfortable clothing and running shoes for both the exercise and discussion segments of the programs.
What kind of childcare do the MumNet and MumVet programs offer?
All Childcare Workers are required to submit a Job Application and undergo a criminal background check. They have been trained in basic first aid and CPR and are thoroughly aware of the Evacuation Procedures specific to the church where they work. Mothers are not required to bring their children to the MumNet and MumVet programs if they choose; in this situation, a lower fee will apply.
What kind of exercise do the MumNet and MumVet programs offer?
All exercise programs offered through Metro Mothers Network are conducted by certified fitness instructors who incorporate variety as well as basic to advanced techniques at each weekly meeting. Instructors are sensitive to pre- and post-natal concerns as well as physical limitations and varying experiences of members. No previous group exercise experience is required.
Members are asked to wear comfortable clothing and running shoes.
What if I cannot participate in the exercise segment of the program?
All members are strongly encouraged to participate in the exercise segment of the program; however, the fitness instructors are aware that not all members will participate on a weekly basis due to various reasons. Members who do not participate in the exercise program are asked not to disturb the members who are exercising. There are no refunds for members who choose not to exercise.
Registration
How do I register for the programs?
Online registration for the Fall term occurs in September, only volunteer group leaders and volunteer administrative representatives are pre-registered. New and returning members are required to pay in full at the time of registration.
Once a group is filled, mothers wishing to join a group will be placed on a centralized waiting list and contacted by the Office Manager once space becomes available. Once a member is registered in the Fall term, she is automatically able to pre-register for the Winter and Spring term.
How much are the fees per term?
For MumNet and MumVet, a fee schedule can be found HERE! *Please be sure to scroll down as it’s located near the bottom of the page.
Subsidies are available; please inquire at the time of registration.
What payment method is accepted for registration?
At this time, fees can only be paid in full with a credit card during the online registration process.
How do I register for a program if I join after the Fall Registration?
For new or returning members who join after the Fall registration, please contact the Office Manager at to determine space availability at the location of your choice or to be placed on the waiting list. Fees will be prorated.
Who do I contact to inquire about space availability at a specific group?
Please call the Information line at 416-487-MUMS [6867] or Email Us
Am I committed for the entire year if I register in the fall?
Members are not committed for the entire year but generally participate for all three terms. Once a member is registered in the Fall term, she is automatically able to pre-register for the Winter and Spring term. Pre-registration is organized by each group’s leadership team. Members must register and pay on or before the pre-registration deadline to retain their priority registration status, ie. ‘hold their spots’, for the Winter and Spring terms. Members who don’t pre-register and pay by the pre-registration deadline forfeit their priority registration status, and revert to ‘new member’ status’. As ‘new members’, if they wish to register for the Winter or Spring session, they must then contact the Office Manager, and go through the Wait List process for their desired group. As ‘new members’, they must also pay the $30 administration fee – even if it was paid in the previous term – in addition to group fee payments.
Do I need to line up to register for the Winter and Spring terms?
There is no line up to register after the Fall Registration. Mothers wishing to join a group will be placed on a centralized waiting list and contacted by the Office Manager once space becomes available.
Can I pre-register before the Fall Registration (in September)?
Only volunteer group leaders and volunteer administrative representatives are pre-registered for all three terms. Please contact the Office Manager at for more information.
Can I register for the Winter and Spring terms during the Fall Registration?
Once registered, each member retains priority registration for each subsequent term of the year joined, providing that they pre-register by the dates specified. Registration information will be distributed by the leaders to all current members.
Fundraising
Why does Metro Mothers Network have to fundraise?
Our fundraising efforts contribute up to 50% of Metro Mothers Network’s revenue. The funds raised are used primarily to reduce the program fees as well as to secure qualified support staff (Fitness Instructors, caregivers, Executive Director, Fitness Manager, Childcare Manager, and Office Manager), to provide training and support to your leaders, and to pay insurance and facility costs and other administrative costs. Without our fundraising efforts, MUMNET would not be the same!
What are typical fundraising events?
Last year, there were three network-wide fundraising events (one event per term):
Fall event: sale of poinsettias, cookie dough and chocolates
Winter event: evening fundraiser with wine and canapé reception, silent auction and Raffle draw
Spring event: group fundraisers and distribution of donation letter to members and alumni
Who can participate in the fundraising events?
All members are encouraged to participate in the sale of products as well as participate in the Winter talent event.
If you are not currently a member but wish to participate, please read our Fundraising page or contact the Fundraising Director at
Volunteer
What volunteer positions are currently available?
Please review the Volunteers page for current volunteer positions that are available for members or alumni to help out.
Who do I contact to inquire about a specific volunteer position?
If you are interested in volunteering your time, energy and talent to the Metro Mothers Network, please contact the Executive Director at .
Why are volunteers so important to Metro Mothers Network?
Metro Mothers Network was founded and is run by volunteer women, both current members and alumni. There are only four paid staff that work part-time (the Executive Director, Childcare Manager, Fitness Manager and Office Manager); all other positions are held by volunteers. Many members have used their volunteer work experience as an opportunity to build for future jobs and careers. The value of volunteering is a way of giving to a wonderful organization but also as a way of developing your skills and experience for the future.
How can I volunteer to be on the MumNet Board?
The Metro Mothers Network Board of directors is comprised entirely of volunteers. The board is responsible for overseeing the programming for MumNet and MumVet groups. The board is typically made up of members with combined experience in a variety of areas. We are always searching for new talent as our organization continues to evolve and grow.
Learn more about joining the Board!
Useful Links
What is the advertising policy of Metro Mothers Network?
Metro Mothers Network currently has three tiers of advertising:
Advertising in Newslink, MumNet’s member newsletter, advertising on the website, or various sponsorship relationships.
For more information about how to advertise with MumNet, please visit our Advertising & Sponsorship page on our website, or contact the Marketing Manager
Message Boards
Who can participate in the Message Boards?
Message Boards are open to all current members and alumni. There are also separate Message boards for volunteer positions to access documents and valuable information. To access the Message boards, click here or contact the Website Administrator for more information.
How do I register for the Message Boards?
Current members can register an account on the Message Boards by filling out a Message Board registration page and accepting the privacy policy. A password must be obtained from your group Communication Representative in order to complete the registration. Once registered, members who hold specific volunteer positions will be given access to their Message Boards by the Website Administrator.
How can I contact the Website Administrator with questions about the Message Boards?
The Website Administrator can be contacted at [email protected].
