the fundraising saga continues

Starting a non-profit organization has always been on my lifelong to do list. Two years ago when I founded Houston Baby Wearers, I did not realize that I was taking the baby steps to finally realize that goal. Although I feel reasonably competent in many areas, fundraising is not one of them. I posted on that a while back. Apparently, alot of people feel the same way I do about traditional fundraising mechanisms. Hitting up my coworkers (if I had any) to buy cheaply made junk they don't need and may never use is not in my blood. I just can't do it. I am not able to sell something I would never buy myself.

To date our group account is basically zero and we have a few bills coming that need to be paid. That's why when I found ShoutBack.com, I signed up right away. One really cool feature is their Auctions listing. It allows members of your ShoutBack group to put items up for auction to benefit your group. For example, I have a some sling still in stock that I am trying to liquidate. So, for the sake of my beloved group, I am putting a couple slings and some other stuff up for auction and the proceeds will benefit Houston Baby Wearers. The other really neat thing is you can use ShoutBack.com to shop. Hello!!! That is so right up my ally. Like I said, I signed up right away and it was so easy and so free. ShoutBack is a great way for groups like mine as well as the local La Leche League, my Attachment Parenting Group, and the list goes on! It's about time the fundraising world caught up with the ubergeeks and made online shopping something to be proud of. Way to go!

Five Simple Steps to Get Started Babywearing

Everyone I know is either pregnant or just had a baby. Well, not everyone of course, but it seems that way. I even know two gals (one's my sister!) that are expecting twins! How exciting! I hope to be joining the ranks soon, but no news yet. You'll be the first to know when it happens.

So, I've been thinking about when I first had my daughter and was struggling to find the right sling for us. I was overwhelmed with all the choices. Should I get a ring sling or a wrap? A pouch or a mei tai? I started out with a pouch that was way too big and then a ring sling that was all wrong. I gave up for months after that until I tried a mei tai that I was able to use a few times, but not at all what I would call worth the money. Even the littlest thing like the color of the ring sling was keeping me from using it more often. Trying to be "safe," I chose a black cotton sling and in the Texas summer heat, it was the last thing I wanted to wear. Same with the mei tai. I chose a beautiful silk embroidered panel with black straps which turned out to be completely impractical for my unmanicured fingernails (snag city) and the heat. But when you know better, you can choose better. Here is the benefit of my trials and errors for all you babywearing newbies out there!

Here are 5 simple steps to get you slinging:

1. Figure out what colors you love to wear and that make you feel special.
2. Decide if you want a sling just for you or to share with your spouse or other caregivers.
3. Think about what kind of fabrics you like (light vs heavy, silk vs cotton).
4. Go shopping!
   
5. Hook up with local babywearers.

There are literally hundreds of online retailers and many local ones that will be happy to help you with your purchase. The colors and styles available are endless, but don't let that scare you. Choosing a color that makes your heart leap and that you wear frequently is your best bet. But the most important part of successful babywearing is connecting with other babywearers. That's why I founded Houston Baby Wearers, to provide the kind of hands-on support I didn't have when I started slinging. Our monthly meetings are a fun way to borrow slings before buying them and to get the kind of tips and tricks you can only learn from experienced slingers.

Chances are the first sling you buy won't be the last, or the favored one for all time. Your needs will change over the years. The slings I use the most now are very different from the ones I started with, but they've all served their purpose very well. Just get started and then get connected and you can't go wrong.

For more babywearing help or to find a local group of babywearers, visit Babywearing International and The Babywearer.

photo courtesy of Mariola

Stash Chat with Houston Baby Wearers

The next meeting of the Houston Baby Wearers is this Wednesday at 10:30am at Nativiti Birth Center.

We're having a Stash Chat for everyone to bring what's in their sling stash to show and to share. Hope to see you locals there!

For more information on Houston Baby Wearers, visit the site or send email to info at houstonbabywearers dot org!

Photo courtesy of Rebecca-Linh Rodgers Photography.