Members in Good Standing
Membership is a part of belonging to something. Supporting and being a part of a group through giving and not only taking. A member in good standing needs to pay their dues at the beginning of each year, and also attend meetings of interest to them, join in celebrations, fund raisers, fashion shows and conferences. These members also offer to take on some aspect of the group: chairing a position, volunteering to do a mailing, or by helping with an event or activity.
Members in good standing come to more than just the meetings with speakers that interest them. They come and listen to others and they share experiences. It might mean volunteering your family for clean-up after the picnic, or maybe to run the games or raffle. Many members gladly do these things each and every time the need is there. There is always room for others to become a real part of the group and to be a member in good standing. So, if you feel that all you can currently do is to receive the newsletter and occasionally attend a meeting, then we want you to keep your dues current and always feel you are welcome at meetings and events. On the other hand if you have the time and want to become a real part of FEDS, please know that now would be a great time to let us know. Thanks for being part of this dynamic group and for helping us work toward our goal.
Some available positions for 2012:
All FEDS Chairmen’s children (listed in the newsletter) are eligible to apply for summer scholarships for their young person plus we need:
2nd Refreshments chairperson Dress Down for Down Syndrome
Additional Librarians Newsletter Crew (at least 5)
Back up greeter Parent to Parent program
Picnic games Associate Board member
Diversity Activity programming New Parent Brunch
Club 21
(If you see something that needs doing, we can make a position… Just ask and volunteer.)
Membership dues are $20 per family and due at the beginning of each year. Additional Friend and Family memberships are available for grandparents and other relatives for $10. The F&F membership allows us to send the newsletter and invitations “not limited” to “FEDS Families only” events, like the very popular Holiday Party.
If at any time you are in a financial bind and cannot afford the membership fee, just let anyone on the Board know you would like a “free pass” on the dues for the year.
Members Meetings
Families Exploring Down Syndrome members meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month during the school year. For 23 years, the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) has graciously allowed us to use their building at 44001 Garfield, Clinton Township, and we continue to meet monthly. Most meetings start at 7:00 pm, but occasionally the time is changed to accommodate a special agenda or speaker. Dates, meeting times, and MISD room locations can be found in our FEDS News Today newsletter. The FEDS Calendar also has the most up-to-date meeting information. Should a meeting be cancelled at the last minute, as for inclement weather, members are notified by e-mail.
Families Exploring Down Syndrome membership meetings include a brief business update, with the bulk of the meeting time devoted to either speakers on popular topics, or open forums for sharing and problem solving with families experiencing similar challenges, experiences, and successes. Suggestions for speakers are encouraged. If you haven’t been to a FEDS meeting, we hope you will give it a try. You might even meet your new best friend.
Babysitters are available for older children ($1 tip per child is suggest, we will pay our sitters), and we'd appreciate it if you would bring your infant for all to enjoy.
Board Meetings
The Families Exploring Down Syndrome board meets at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of the month, year round. We meet in rooms A & B in the Beaumont Family Medicine Building @ 44250 Dequindre, Sterling Heights (across from Troy Beaumont Hospital). FEDS board meetings are open to all members, however we ask that you let us know if you plan to attend by phone (586-997-7607) or by an e-mail to fedsyndrome@aol.com so we know how many people to expect.
Special Meetings
The board holds planning meetings for our larger events, such as the Fashion Show and Auction, Buddy Walk, and Parent Conference. These meetings can be found in the FEDS Calendar. We hope to see you there as a volunteer planning committee member.