Update on Hopeful Parents

Hi Everyone,

It's been a long time since I've given you all a status update on Hopeful Parents, and things are looking up!

I'm excited to announce that as of last month, we are now officially a non-profit organization. We have put together a stellar group of parents as our first Board of Directors, and we're in the process of applying for tax-exempt status as a 501(c)4 organization. What's great about turning Hopeful Parents into an organization is that we will be able to start creating revenue, which will help us further our mission of grassroots support for each other and advocacy.

Over the past few months, I've tried to promote connections on our website by adding the Facebook Fan page, the Twitter updates, posts from our Hopeful Parents community, and also spotlighting blog posts that you have posted online.

The community at Hopeful Parents seems like it's starting to take-off with over 300 members. It seems like people are wanting to get in touch with each other at our forums. If you're so inclined, you might want to consider heading over there and responding to some of the introductions. I'll be working more on the community website over the next few months, and in the meantime would love any suggestions you might have about it.

Over the summer, we will be putting together several committees -- marketing, social networking, membership, technology, advocacy, content. If you're interested in contributing to Hopeful Parents as a volunteer in any of these areas, please let me know. I will put your name on "the list," and one of our board members will get back in touch with you this summer.

As always, I welcome any comments and suggestions on how to improve Hopeful Parents. Please don't be shy! And stay tuned for some more positive growth...

:)Christina Shaver