New Changes For NAMMAS

Dear NAMMAS Member,

Many of you know the history of NAMMAS but if you are new to our little corner of the internet, you may not know how or why NAMMAS is here.  In a nutshell, NAMMAS began as a simple idea to bring moms and spouses together in one place to share resources, connect with each other and grow together.  My husband deployed to Afghanistan with only 2 weeks notice.  At the time I had a 2 year old and a 10 month old baby.  Already this may seem familiar to you, as many of us share the same story.

About 2 months into deployment I realized I needed some emotional support as well as tips and advice on how to "do" life during deployment.  I had great help in my military community in the neighborhood, but I wondered what happens when a mom or spouse doesn't have that kind of familial circle of love to go to when things get difficult.

After scouring the net and not finding anything I could relate to, I decided to start my own network of friends.  From 7 members to almost 2000 now, here we are growing strong everyday.

A lot has changed since 2009, and now NAMMAS is incorporated, nearly 60 niched subgroups have formed, we've had online and live events, and have had the pleasure and honor of national media coverage.

One thing that hasn't changed is my personal desire to see this network continue to grow and also be the motivational, inspirational, and practical resource I envisioned almost two years ago.  When originally, I thought I was starting something for my own support, turns out there are so many others like me who needed what I needed too...a family of women who just "get me" so we can socialize and have fun together. 

Well, in order to continue fostering this spirit of community NAMMAS is expanding what we're currently doing.  After asking for feedback from you (and getting tons of it!), I was looking for a way to make NAMMAS more of what you came here looking for.  Things like advice, support for all areas of life, what to-do's and how to-do's, business launch pad for your money-making ideas, space to blog your ideas or grow your own blog with a connected audience, and an online home for people just like you.

Your NAMMAS Membership Is Now Even More Valuable

Taking all of this in consideration of how to be the best we can be so that you can be your best, beginning February 1, 2012, NAMMAS is converting to an exclusive membership access only.   This new membership, now called our Gold Member Access, will be how you will continue to enjoy the NAMMAS community, but now in an even more enriching environment.

For a period of time Gold Members get the best discount, being the first members to establish the NAMMAS environment and helping create this atmosphere of loving support.  With your Gold level membership you will continue to enjoy what you've come to love as well as a new NAMMAS experience like:

• A truly exclusive membership database that is only interested in supporting you, cheering you on and being there when you need them.  No more spammers, tire-kickers, and on-lookers jamming up network membership

• Enhanced website experience that enable you to easily navigate NAMMAS and quickly find, post, and read comments and blogs

• Real programs that enable members to dialogue together with value-added benefit to help you get the most out of your military lifestyle

• On-demand access to resources, expert interviews and teleclasses restricted to Gold members only, available 24 hours a day

• Corporate sponsors who love military families and will provide product samples, contests, coupons and unique invites just for NAMMAS Gold Members.

• Immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals from around the world! Just like Facebook, you will still write your own profile, add friends, swap stories, start a mastermind group, share your wins and challenges, or simply build new friendships.

Sounds Great Lori, But...Is This Gonna Cost??

I know what you're thinking.  All this great stuff can't be what you're currently paying right? Since you're paying nothing, nope, it's not!    When NAMMAS started, it was free for everyone, including me.  When our hosting service changed and attached a monthly fee to our network I added a NAMMAS line item in our family budget because I believed in the value of this community.  Even after my husband questioned "what in the world...??", I kept going, helping people get started blogging, showcasing their talents and growing our membership.

But, after maintaining this site for two years, and footing the bill personally there's one thing I've discovered:

I've seriously undervalued you and me by shouldering this on my own. 

I believe in NAMMAS, and more importantly I believe in you.  NAMMAS serves an important purpose in our military community; it's the only org of its kind that unites moms of service members and spouses together under one virtual roof.  And to continue getting the best out of your time here, we have to do this together.

So, your Gold Membership with all its benefits will only cost you $2.95 per month or an unbelievable $14.95 per year (best value).  That's nearly 40% off for a whole year of member benefits! Best of all your Gold member rate will remain at this lowest cost for as long as you are a member in good standing of NAMMAS.  At your next login on Feb 1, just choose your most affordable package via Paypal or credit card and your member rate is locked in.

Now, I know that even as low as $2.95 per month or $14.95 per year is, all of you will not continue with us.  I respect  your decision.  I want what's best for you, and if you think NAMMAS is not it, we can always part as friends.  We're building a richer more connected network and when we have members that all invested something to be here, the support factor goes way up because everyone is on the same level committed to each other.

If you're ready to step up to be part of a circle of friends that really do want to be your support bra in any area where you need support, we're speaking the same language and this community is definitely for you. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly.  Reach me at lori@nammas.org with your questions and I may even post some of them here so we all can benefit from the discussion.

Thanks for your support of NAMMAS for however long you've been a member.  I'm excited about this next phase for us and a greater partnership with you! As always, keep "Prospering Where You're Planted."

With Much Love and Blessing To You,

Lori Bell