Overview | Calendar and Registration | Policies

Discussion Groups

The following groups are open to members of the MIT community. All groups are co-sponsored by the Center for Work, Family & Personal Life, unless otherwise noted.

Adoptive Families at MIT
A peer-led group offering a forum and resource for those interested in the adoption process, for families formed through adoption, and for adopted people. Meetings are a mix of guest speakers and general discussion. The group is a chapter of ACONE (Adoption Community of New England). Since 2000, AFMIT has grown to include well over 140 families in the greater Boston area. Families have adopted domestically, internationally, transracially, via open adoption, to single parents, older parents, younger parents, and same-sex parents. AFMIT also administers the Big Sibling Program at MIT. Designed for families formed through international adoption, the program pairs international MIT students with adoptive families, matching the adopted child's country of birth with the MIT student's home country. The relationship becomes a mutually beneficial one, where adopted children gain first-hand understanding of their native country's customs and culture, and international MIT students enjoy the warmth and relaxation of a family relationship, as well as an enhanced appreciation for their home. For more information regarding AFMIT programs and events, or to be added to the email list, contact Diane Tavitian at dtavit@mit.edu or visit the group's web site at http://web.mit.edu/adoption.

Family & Friends of the Developmentally Disabled (FFDD)
A peer-led group for parents, family and friends of individuals born or diagnosed with a developmental disability. The group offers resources, personal experiences, and fellowship to those dealing with special needs. Meetings provide a forum to discuss issues common to those impacted by a loved one with special needs. All are welcome. For more information, a current list of scheduled meetings, or to offer agenda suggestions, email josephd@mit.edu.

New Life After Mid-Life
A professionally led group for women who are experiencing changes related to this phase of life and who want to use their accumulated wisdom and life experience to guide them in a way that is respectful of the past, optimistic about the future and oriented toward their strengths. Sponsored by MIT Mental Health at MIT Medical. Ongoing meetings, which are open to all members of the MIT community, are held weekly. This group requires an initial interview with the group leader to match your needs with the group's goals. For information about time and location, call 617-253-2916 or visit the Mental Health Services web site at http://web.mit.edu/medical/services/s-mentalhealth.html.

MIT FamilyNet
MIT FamilyNet is an online community designed for MIT families: those with or without children, married or partnered, and single parents. MIT FamilyNet can help you find other MIT families who have similar backgrounds and interests as yours, get information and advice about parenting, childcare, and living in Boston in our forums, contact MIT-affiliated babysitters, and find other families who are interested in setting babysitting exchanges.  All MIT affiliates and/or their spouses/partners can register to become members. The mission of MIT FamilyNet is help MIT families connect and support each other both online and offline. Questions? Contact mfn@mit.edu.

BabyNet Infant and Toddler Group
BabyNet is a support network of parents and caregivers trying to make parenting easier for each other. We provide multiple opportunities for parents to meet and network in groups and individually, both online and offline. The mission of BabyNet is to help parents build trusting relationships with each other, strong enough to exchange free/low cost babysitting exchanges. The group has weekly meetings on campus. For more information, join the BabyNet Group on MIT FamilyNet: http://familynet.mit.edu
Sponsored by spouses&partners@mit