The Mocha Moms of Silver Spring is hands-down the warmest and most organized moms group I have ever experienced. This is the local chapter of the Mocha Moms national organization of mothers’ groups for women of color, with membership open to all parents and families that believe in a spirit of community activism and mutual encouragement. Mocha Moms does not discriminate and is of diverse membership united by the mission to support each other as parents.
There is also a weekly Mocha Moms discussion on NPR within the Tell Me More Tuesday broadcast; listen here. Tell Me More airs in the DC area on WAMU 88.5 FM from 2-3pm on Tuesdays.
During the school year, the Silver Spring “Mochas” and their children meet on Wednesdays from 10am-noon at the East County Community Center in Silver Spring for mother’s support meetings. The moms visit and cultivate their friendships, the kids play with a huge bin of toys and nosh on snacks, and the club hosts speakers at typically two meetings per month. Speakers have included Montgomery County Public Schools administrators, pediatric dentists and other experts pertinent to parenting. The club chooses a discussion topic the other weeks, such as entrepreneurship, family budgets, meal planning and other issues important to members. In July and August, the Mochas meet at local playgrounds once a week.
My kids and I have had the pleasure of joining the Wednesday meetings three times this spring, and every meeting feels like a party. I get to hang out with dynamic, interesting and hilarious women and feel like I’m at a girls night happy hour in the middle of the day. My children love playing with all of the preschool-aged kids and making faces at the babies. The topics and speakers are inspirational, positive and proactive. There are no “Debbie Downers” in this club, and if a mother hits a rough patch, there is a cadre of friends to lift her up.
All persons interested in joining the Mocha Moms are encouraged to come and check out a Wednesday meeting. Once a parent becomes an official member, you can experience the family weekend activities, playgroups, girls nights, book clubs and the active listserv. New members are very welcome. If you have questions or would like to check out the group after school is out this summer, send an email to mochamomssilverspring at yahoo dot com.
The Silver Spring chapter is actually comprised of members who live in Silver Spring, Burtonsville, Laurel and Columbia. Other nearby chapters include Northern DC, Southern DC, College Park, North PG County, South PG County and other locations all over the country. If you are in the market for a great mom’s group, look no further!
A huge thanks to the Silver Spring Mocha Moms for welcoming me and my kids, and most importantly for providing this wonderful community resource for area parents and children.
