How To Participate In One Of Our Ecosystems

We're thrilled at the possibility of having you join one of our ecosystems!

As an organization, we operate on the principle that "small is good, small is all.* "

This means we're a focused, intentional organization that recognizes we can't serve every Black single mother—doing so would be impossible. Instead, we aim to support those we can with the resources, labor, and capacity we have available.

To ensure we can offer meaningful support, we have a structured process for mamas interested in joining our ecosystems, which you can find below.


*A principle from the book “Emergent Strategy” written by adrienne maree brown

 
 

If you’re new to Loving Black Single Mothers

...meaning you haven’t yet participated in one of our ecosystems

  • Step 1

    Join

    Join our email list. Being on our email list ensures that you get notifications of upcoming Orientations.

    Sign Up

  • Step 2

    Register

    Register and attend a Mother’s Orientation. Our Mother’s Orientations happen twice a year, once in the late Winter and once in the late Summer.

  • Step 3

    Apply

    Apply to join an ecosystem. When applications open for an ecosystem submit your application.

  • Step 4

    Selection

    LBSM will randomly select mama’s to participate in the ecosystem. LBSM uses a third-party randomization system to select ecosystem participants.

  • Step 5

    Verification

    If you are selected to join an ecosystem, you will go through a verification process with a third-party system to confirm your identity – this helps us to ensure that you are who you say you are and that there are no bots.

  • Step 6

    Participate

    Once you’ve successfully passed verification you’ll then be ready to participate in the ecosystem.

If you’re true to Loving Black Single Mothers

...meaning you’ve previously participated in one of our ecosystems or attended an orientation

  • Step 1

    Apply

    Apply to join an ecosystem. When applications open for an ecosystem submit your application.

  • Step 2

    Selection

    LBSM will randomly select mama’s to participate in the ecosystem. LBSM uses a third-party randomization system to select ecosystem participants.

  • Step 3

    Verification

    If you are selected to join an ecosystem, you will go through a verification process with a third-party system to confirm your identity – this helps us to ensure that you are who you say you are and that there are no bots.

  • Step 4

    Participate

    Once you’ve successfully passed verification you’ll then be ready to participate in the ecosystem.

What Is Our
Mother’s Orientation?

 

Our Mother’s Orientation is a 45‑minute virtual Zoom meeting designed for Black single mothers interested in participating in 
the programs offered by Loving Black Single Mothers (LBSM).

Hosted by Toi Smith, Founder of LBSM, and Renee Barreto, Director of Operations, the orientation aims to introduce mothers to the organization, its ecosystems, and the steps to participate. The orientation also includes a live Q&A session, giving mamas an opportunity to ask questions and get to know more about LBSM on a personal and relational level.

This process helps ensure that as LBSM expands, it continues to maintain the quality, integrity, and care that Black single mamas deserve. Attending an orientation is required to participate in one of our ecosystems.

 

FAQs

  • No, you do not need to attend an orientation if you have already participated in one of our ecosystems (Holiday Love, Summer Time Joy, or Forever Flourishing).

  • Yes, if you have previously applied to one of our ecosystems but were not selected to participate, you will need to attend an orientation.

  • These orientations help us to:

    • Know who all is in our community

    • Bring a more human and relational aspect to the virtual nature of our programs

    • Stay aligned and responsive to the needs and desires of the Black single mamas in our community

  • During this 45 minute virtual zoom meeting hosted by Toi Smith, Founder of LBSM, and Renee Barreto, Director of Operations, we will share more about LBSM, our ecosystems, and the process to participate. We will also have a live Q+A time for Mamas to ask questions. 

  • As of right now, Mama’s Orientations will happen twice a year, once in the late Winter (February/March 2025) and once in the late Summer (August/September 2025)

  • We use Zoom. Upon registration, you will receive an email from Zoom with a unique link to join the orientation on the scheduled date/time. These orientations are 45 minutes long.

  • Unfortunately, if for any reason you are not able to attend the orientation live then we will not be able to include you on our notification list for the following ecosystem. However, you will have the opportunity to join a future orientation!

  • Zoom will automatically register your attendance once you join the orientation and will report to us (LBSM) your attendance.

  • No, attending an orientation does not guarantee selection or participation in any ecosystem.

  • These orientations are not recorded. You must attend live.

 

So, if you're new

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