Question 1

Is Message just for people with babies and toddlers?

Accepted Answer

No. While Message offers many resources for expecting and new parents, that is not all we offer. We have groups for parents of little kids, tweens & teens, and beyond. We put on popular events for families, like the Halloween Trick-or-Treat and the Egg Hunt. We also organize interesting panels, fun kid-free nights out, and networking events. Wherever you are in your parenting journey, you are welcome in Message!

Question 2

I've been living in France for 10 years. Is it too late to join Message?

Accepted Answer

No. Many of our members have been in France for years, but are newly expecting or parenting. Others have moved to the Paris area and are looking to connect with other local parents. Still others have been members for many years and have older kids. Whether it is community you seek, parenting advice, support during a challenging period, volunteer opportunities, networking, or access to a wide variety of family resources, the Message community is here for you.

Question 3

English isn't my first language. Can I join Message?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Message includes parents and expecting parents from lots of nationalities, and English need not be your first language. You are most welcome. We have groups for speakers of a half dozen languages other than English, and members are always able to start new groups. Please reach out to vpmembership@messageparis.org if you have any feedback or ideas.

Question 4

I'm a single parent. Would I fit in at Message?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Message has lots of single parents among its members. You are most welcome. We have a single parent group and want to make sure our community is welcoming to all families, including yours. Please reach out to vpmembership@messageparis.org if you have any feedback or ideas.

Question 5

I’m a dad or expecting dad. Can I join Message?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Message has lots of dads among its members. You are most welcome. Message was originally established 40+ years ago as a support group for mothers, but our membership has evolved since then, and now includes all parents and expecting parents. We have a dads group and want to make sure our community is welcoming to all families, including yours. Please reach out to vpmembership@messageparis.org if you have any feedback or ideas.

Question 6

Do I have to already have children, or be expecting a child, to join Message?

Accepted Answer

No. Message understands that families today come in many forms. We welcome as members individuals who are:
• Navigating fertility treatments or pregnancy loss
• Part of blended families
• Legal guardians raising children
• Grieving the loss of a child
• Building families in non-traditional ways.

Question 7

I'd like to join Message but can't afford it financially. What options are available to me?

Accepted Answer

Message offers subsidised memberships to anyone who could benefit from all the services and resources on offer but for whom the cost is a prohibitive factor. To request a subsidised membership please reach out to president@messageparis.org.

Question 8

I'll be moving to France in a few months. Can I join before I get there?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have difficulty purchasing a membership with a foreign address, send an email to techsupport@messageparis.org.

Question 9

I live abroad, but come to Paris each summer with my family. Can I join?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of Message is to provide help, support and advice to English speaking parents and expecting parents in the Paris area. If you are coming to Paris regularly and would like to be part of our community, you are most welcome. But there are no short-term or temporary memberships. A membership lasts for a minimum of a year from when you sign up and is non-refundable.

Question 10

I will be in Paris next month on vacation. Can Message help me find a babysitter, a doctor for emergency care, or a crib rental for use during my stay?

Accepted Answer

No. Message is a community of parents living in the Paris area. We do not provide any services for short-term visitors to Paris. As volunteers, we also do not have the capacity to respond to requests for information from non-members. Thank you for understanding!

Question 11

I live in a different part of France. Do you have an affiliated group in my area too?

Accepted Answer

No. We support families in and around Paris, and do not have groups anywhere else.

Question 12

How do I cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your membership here. Membership fees are non-refundable.

Question 13

What do membership fees support?

Accepted Answer

Message is a non-profit organization and thrives mainly on membership fees, event revenues and donations. We strive to spend our funds on activities that are beneficial to our members, and build the organization sustainably. Event fees and member fees aim to at least cover the costs of running the events. We invest in building a good IT infrastructure to facilitate the running of the organization, making our busy volunteers’ lives easier, and encouraging member exchanges to strengthen our communities. We invest in sharing knowledge that is useful for our members. We provide training and support to would-be parents, young parents, and parents of older kids.

Question 14

Will I be required to volunteer if I join Message?

Accepted Answer

There is no requirement to volunteer, although as we operate with no paid staff, we encourage everyone to get more involved with Message at some point. We have a range of opportunities available, no matter your availability or skill set. You can volunteer from home or help out at an event. You can volunteer for a couple of hours a month, or gain serious experience providing member support or even serving on the executive committee. From smaller time-level commitments to more robust responsibilities, volunteering is a way to meet other members and develop new skills. Message wouldn't exist without our wonderful volunteers!

Question 15

What types of activities are organised by Message?

Accepted Answer

Message has organisation-wide events including online talks and panels on different topics, business and networking events, multicultural events, storytimes, health and wellness sessions, an Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Trick or Treat, and a Holiday Party! We also have regular and long-standing organized coffee meet-ups at different cafes in Paris.

In addition to all the events organized by the volunteer events team, regular activities and meetups are scheduled by members at their own initiative. Members are free to organise activities and outings that are appropriate for the ages of their own children or their own interests. Examples of recent activities include: a morning in a member's home for expectant members; an afternoon for toddlers in a local park; a playdate introducing 5-7 year olds to chess; a group Pilates session hosted at a member’s home; a lunch for working parents to exchange tips on balancing home and work life; and a gathering for a language exchange (currently available in French, Italian, Spanish... and growing!).

Question 16

I work full-time. Which Message activities would I be able to participate in?

Accepted Answer

Message hosts a variety of events outside of working hours. These include talks by guest speakers, get-togethers with other members and their families, and classes for new and expecting parents. We try to schedule events throughout the week and weekend so all our members can participate, and members are also free to plan their own events. For example, a member can start a Saturday morning meet-up at a local cafe or playground, or plan a fun, kid-free evening out and invite other members to join.

Question 17

Where is Message's headquarters / meeting place?

Accepted Answer

Message has no central office, and no paid staff. The association is entirely volunteer-run, with all social activities held in members' homes, local cafes, or in rented spaces for larger events, with many outside activities during good weather in parks or at museums.

Question 18

Can my child's nanny / grandmother bring him / her to Message activities?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, Yes, as long as you, the parent or guardian, are a member of Message and have authorised your child to be accompanied by another, English-speaking person. Attendance is at the discretion of the host, and we do ask you to confirm with them in advance.

Question 19

How can I advertise my product or service to Message members?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, we are conservative about advertising and try to keep Message commercial-free. Message members are able to promote their businesses to other members in some circumstances, but membership is meant to be about connection and support among members, not growing your business. Please reach out to president@messageparis.org if you have specific questions.

Question 20

I forgot my user name and/or password. How can I login?

Accepted Answer

Select 'Forgot your password' on the login screen to verify your account or reset your password.

Question 21

I used to be a Message member. How can I rejoin?

Accepted Answer

Welcome back! Try logging in with your previous user name and password, and you'll automatically be directed to the renewals page. Please note that when you re-join, it will be at the current family membership rate. If you've forgotten your user name and/or password, you can use the 'Forgot your password' link. If your email address is not recognised, you can select the link to create a new account. If you have any other questions about your membership, please contact vpmembership@messageparis.org.

Question 22

I'm concerned about the protection of my personal data. What is your Privacy Policy?

Accepted Answer

Message takes the protection of your data seriously. Our aim is to provide a personalised and valuable service while safeguarding our users’ privacy. Collecting some personal information is necessary if we are to satisfy the expectations and requirements of our users and we have set out here what we will do with your personal information.

Question 23

What is a Partner Account?

Accepted Answer

A Partner Account is an optional way to share some of the benefits of your Message membership with another adult in your family. A Message membership is now called a Family Membership, and includes access to events for your whole family. You can access your complete member benefits and RSVP for your family with your primary membership login. However, if you would like another adult in your family to also receive Message emails and access some parts of the Message website, we can make them a Partner Account.

Question 24

What are the benefits of a Partner Account?

Accepted Answer

If you sign up for a Partner Account, you (the Partner) will receive Message Paris communications, including our weekly email with information about upcoming events. You will also have access to some member-only parts of the Message website, including the Message blog, groups, and support services. You can also elect to join our private Message WhatsApp community.

Question 25

I have a Family Membership. How can I request a Partner Account?

Accepted Answer

When you sign up for a Message Family Membership, you will have the option to add your partner’s email address. They will then get an email with instructions for how to create their account. If you are already a member, you can find the link to add your partner’s email under My Home Page (requires sign in).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS