Before you get started...

Please remember that this started in someone's kitchen.  That has been said a million times, and it will be said over and over again...because, it is an important part of what this is all about and should not be forgotten.  More Than Just Society was started out of genuine friendship, and that is what needs to sustain in this group first and foremost.  You are encouraged to read all of the information and connecting with an already MTJ member before submitting your application to make sure this is the right fit for you.  We welcome people from all over the Bay Area/Clear Lake/Galveston County Texas area.  Please email any questions to morethanjustsociety@gmail.com.

The following is required of our members:

$25 per year Administration Fee.  (Will be collected online after membership application approval) 
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Attendance to at least (1) Quarterly Meeting,  (4) Coffee or Cocktail Gatherings,  (1) Social Event,  and active participation on the committee of your choice.

A charitable donation to be used in the name of MTJ Give Back Committee (item(s) or monetary donation of $50 or more).

Any issues or questions with these expectations can be addressed directly at morethanjustcoffee@gmail.com.  We can work with you in there is an issue.

** Currently NO fees are being collected!  No money will be expected or exchanged at this time, and nothing has been collected from our membership.  We are waiting to set up as a non-profit before any money is even considered.  We do encourage everyone in the group to be charitable, support each other, and local charities and causes in the area.  We do not expect any of our members to donate beyond their means.

How to become a part of the society

This application must be filled out by every perspective member, and it will be used to populate information used for administration purposes and for public postings/features. Please take the time to fill it out it its' entirety, as this is what will be used to create your profile, if selected as a member.  

Please look at the following BEFORE you fill out the application to give you an idea of what your profile will look like and help in seeing what kind of information you will want to provide.  Click and read SAMPLE MEMBER PAGE

mtj membership application

    Step 1:  Basics about you

    The following information will be used internally in the group and will not be published without your authorization.  In Section 3 you will type exactly what you will want to be seen by the general public via website, facebook, or other forms of media.

    STep 2: special information

    This information will not be published without your approval:

    Step 3: who will you be in mtj?

    This group is only as good as the people that are in it, and will succeed only with each of us doing our part and taking on a role.  Please select which committee you would like to be on from the following list.  See more than one that you would like to take part in?  Totally encouraged and allowed.  Just please remember to give your number one choice the attention it deserves.  Also, if you have an idea for a committee or a way to make things better, there will be opportunities for that as well!
    Committees:

    Social Committee- Group  to assist with coordinating and organizing the (4) Quarterly "Bring It To The Table" meetings and the set Monthly "Coffee" and "Cocktail" gatherings.  Attendance is not required of this committee, but helping to promote and encourage other members to attend is their mission.  They are also  responsible for planning additional events outside of the normal MTJ set calendar events.  Examples include, but are not limited to Roller Derby Night Out, Random Acts of Lunch, Family Days/Playdates, Attending a concert or play, etc.  This is good for anyone who is a "social butterfly" and has their own desire to get out and do more, and these people need to be organized.

    Welcome Committee/Buddy Program- Group to welcome perspective members and help them get introduced to the group.  Assists in the application process, available at events to answer questions, and works with Social Committee to make sure new or perspective members to get the information they need to get involved.  This committee will also be paired with existing members to check in with them regularly, seeing if there is anything the group can help assist them with, and just being an overall ambassador for success in MTJ.  This will be a great opportunity for someone who wants to meet as many people as possible, and is good about stay in touch and following up.

    Celebration and Inspiration Committee- Group focused on celebrating each and every member and keeping them inspired along they way.  They will be in charge of staying on top of things like celebrating member Birthday's or Important Business/Organization anniversaries, and work with the Social Media Mafia to highlight member and community successes.  Big Smiles and love of inspirational memes are important must haves for anyone wanting to be on this committee.  If you love to spread some happiness, this will be the right one for you.

    Social Media Ninjas- Group focused all things Social Media and spreading the word about our members and the causes/organizations/events that are important to the group.  This will be all about pointing, clicking, sharing, poking, DMing, pinning and whatever it takes to see that out MTJ members are not only featured but informed about and in the community.  This group will be the guides on how to manage and connect our social media relationships,and also the ones who set the standards on how we do it in a responsible and ethical way.  This committee would be perfect for someone who wants to expand their own social media presence.  You do not need to be a master at any/all platforms, just curious about them and be willing to bring back what you learn to the group.  Be ready to click.

    MTJ Gives Back- Group focused on charitable activities and relationships in the name of MTJ.  Many non-profit associated members are in MTJ and this committee will be responsible to make sure that there is a balance as to how we show our support to these members and the organizations they represent.  One of the requirements of membership is the commitment of a $50 value donation (either items or gift certificates) and this items will be used to help with donations to silent auctions in the area.  This group will coordinate and manage those efforts.  Additional support and requests for donations from members will be managed through this committee and if needed, approved through the advisory board.  This committee will also find ways we can Give Back as a group and participate in community activities and events and help a local charity.  This will be a very rewarding committee to be on, but will require a very clear head and a big heart....but, not too big, because sadly, you will have to say "Sorry, No." sometimes.  

    ​STEP 4: MTJ Connections

    One of the important elements of MTJ is helping others in their success.  Please list some of your connections we can highlight on your profile.  If your child takes classes with another member, or you frequent another MTJs restaurant, value a certain medical professional, or really love a gift you bought from someone's store.  These are good examples and any other connection you can think of making work can be added.  It is encouraged that you aspire to have at least 3, but lets try and not list more than 10 at this time.

    ​STEP 5: Your Profile Goodies

    Let's start with the Business/Organization section.
    List the name of your business/org and a few sentences to describe what they are all about.  Now, this can be a large corporation or a local school PTA, or one of each on the list.  It is your mini-resume of sorts.  This is your chance to tell people what you are all about.  Keep it simple and direct.  Names can be linked, so please include a link if you can. This is your big chance to really SELL YOURSELF.
    Now let's move on to Hobbies/Interests.
    If you are foodie, love running, addicted to Netflix or Real Housewives, or even an huge die hard Hockey fan or a paint your face football tailgater, this is your section.  If you are in special parenting groups, aspire to run a marathon, or dream of writing the next great American Novel, here it is the place to put it and you may connect with someone who is looking to do the same or can inspire you to reach your goal.  Make those highlights juicy, but don't write the novel in this section.  Keep it as a cool looking list or a couple of interesting sentences.
    Now here is the hardest part...but, that is why I had you do those other answers first.  They should help you do this part.  Now you have to write a paragraph for the top of your profile that tells people who you are. You have 5 or 6 sentences to share about who you are.  Remember, you are More Than Just what is on your business card or what people think when they see you in the Car Rider Line or grocery store.  Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.  Who are you?  Why have you become the person you are today?  What really matters in your life?   Go for it....in about 6 sentences, please.  
    Here are the currently links we can post with pretty icons.  Only fill in what you want...none are required except email.

    ​STEP 6: you are almost done!
    Now....it's time to consider your pictures.
    I need the following:
    (1) picture that will be used as your head shot on your profile picture.  I DO NOT want a pic with multiple people.  Just you.  
    Up to (6) pics that can go on the bottom of your profile.  This can be of your family, more of just you, pics of your business, important logos, whatever you want.  But, please...no more than (6) pics at this time.
    You can email them to morethanjustsociety@gmail.com and put your name and PICS in the subject.
    Please do this ASAP.  I cannot publish your profile without at least an approved profile pic from you.

    Now, here is the last part.  Read the following rules, check that you agree and have read, and then we are good to go.  Any questions, email morethanjustsociety@gmail.com
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    These may not be your traditional rules, but they have been working for us since the beginning, so for now they will stay as is:
    Rules of More Than Just Society
    ​    1. Be Cool. - Pretty simple, but it is vital. This started in a very simple way...in our founder’s kitchen. So, please consider this time, MTJ is just an extension of her “ home.” Much like her home, it is a very casual place, built and accessorized completely with the concept of comfort, coziness, and a safe place to land. It is her nest. She feels the same way about this little extension of it. So, all you need to remember is if you wouldn't/couldn't/shouldn't do it in her home, looking her straight in the eye, then not a good idea to do it here in this organization.  Manners count and are appreciated, but judgement is not.  Open mind and open heart….or just go find the open door and head on out.

    2. Don't Be UnCool. - Another simple one. Pretty much all of us lead busy, grown up lives. The last thing we need to do is chase, police, or monitor other grown ups. So, let's just act like grown ups and follow some basic principles. We don't cheat, steal, or fight with each other. We don't break each other's toys...or spirits. We don't judge, throw stones or any stuff you can pick up and hurl at someone. Don't color on my walls (meaning, this is not a place for you use to recruit, advertise your crap, or only capitalize off of....do that and it will backfire on you. Trust me. Refer to #4) Heather's and Mean Girls, just move on....Fetch is not going to happen and if you want to wear a red scrunchie and crush people’s spirits with your corn nut breath, keep walking. (If you get any of those references, then you are already being cool.  Super cool.) So, let's be positive about whatever people are selling, supporting, or embracing. It might not be for you, but you never know, that person might turn out to be one of the best people you ever met....so, don't look at this group like a bunch of open wallets, but see them for what they are...potential friends. No UnCool allowed.

    3. Leave Your Crown At Home. - No Drama Queens,  and LOYALTY trumps royalty around here all day, everyday. No one person is more important than another, but if you have been here for a long time and have done your part to keep this going and positive, that will be recognized and valued more than anything. And if there is anyone that gets to wear jewels on her head, right now it is our founder....and they are pretty darn heavy. So, if you want them, start eating your Wheaties and doing push-ups, because she’s got the stamina to carry the load right now, but soon she will be spread the sparkle and rely on a Leadership Team. But, not quite yet….but, very soon.  The Leadership Team will be chosen from each of the committees and based on their contributions to the growth of the group.  As our numbers rise or membership requirements change, a more formal process will be put in place.  Meanwhile, trust is the key.

    .4. Don't poke the Tigers or Godzilla with a Stick. - A lot of the members in her are business owners or involved with a charity, foundation, organization, or something they are passionate about. Don't be foolish and mess with that. Seriously. Most of you are here because you LOVE whatever it is that you are doing and you are looking for ways to SHARE what you LOVE and want to shout it to the world! You work your butts off, lay your head on your pillows every night and think about your business/passion, and go to sleep dreaming (or worrying) about how to make it better. If you are going to be stupid enough to poke one of these Tigers with a stick and mess with their business or passion, good luck with all of that. Please handle yourselves with integrity and try to handle issues like adults.  But, if two Tigers go at it, and that is rarely kept quiet, you will see that all of that poking only will cause something else to happen. It is just asking for Godzilla to come into the harbor...and you don't want that. Don't mess with each other's success. Some of you are "competitors" outside the confines of this group, and that is going to happen....but, this is not the place where that needs to be a focus. All Tigers need to find a way to play nice, work together, realize that we all live in this same little corner of the Universe, and make it happen. But, if Godzilla has to come out, she lives by Rule #3, and loyalty before royalty all day, every day will come into play. So, don't go looking for Godzilla.  If there is a disagreement, and a member needs to be asked to leave the group, it will be up to the discretion of the Founder after at least two members of the Leadership Team (or two different committee leads if the Leadership Team hasn’t been formed yet) are brought into the discussion for their feedback and help in resolving the issue.  There will be no refund of any items or monies used to fund charitable efforts, but if $25 needs to be handed back to someone to make things wrap up quietly, then it will happen.  

    5. Did we mention to the "Be Cool" thing? - We did. Be Cool. Let's get coffee and mimosas. Let's celebrate each other's success. Let's help by answering questions, providing guidance, or just sharing a fun emoji. Let's use this social media thing to enhance our lives, not hurt them. Let's come up with ways to work together and make some cool things happen here in the Clear Lake/Galveston County area. . Let's be MORE THAN JUST networking opportunities, titles on our business cards, or whatever our resumes say we are. Let's be MORE THAN JUST Coffee, Cocktails, Connections, Celebrations, or Cool. Let’s be MORE THAN JUST anything we could have imagined or hoped for.  We are the MORE THAN JUST Society or MTJ and shall be open to people living in the Bay Area/Clear Lake?Galveston County area.
     
    6.  What’s In It For You:   Membership cost for 2017 is $25 per year (pro-rations will not be accepted and cycle starts the date of acceptance of your membership application)  Membership fees are subject to change at anytime.  Members are also required to make a $50 valued donation of hard goods or gift certificates to be used in the name of MORE THAN JUST Society / MTJ to various charities and organizations we are currently supporting through the direction of our Charity “MTJ Gives Back” Committee and our Founder (charitable donations will not be refunded or returned for any reason) Attendance to at least (1) Quarterly Meeting,  (4) Coffee or Cocktail Gatherings,  (1) Social Event,  and active participation on the committee of your choice.  Membership Benefits include but are not limited to: Profile on MTJ website.  Access/inclusion to MTJ closed members only facebook group.  Access in inclusion in Membership Directory. Minimum of (1) Special Feature on all MTJ Social Media channels, and regular shout-outs and business/organization/cause discussion/share/reposts as events and special announcements happen. Use of MTJ logo.  Member Only pricing for MTJ events.  One vote per paid membership if vote is called for. Ability to bring guests (other than spouse or approved close family member) up to (2) times to events outside of “Bring It To The Table” as an introduction into joining the group.  Special MTJ Discounts to local business for members only.  More opportunities based on involvement and ask group evolves.  
     
    7. The Legal Mumbo-Jumbo:  The website and facebook groups are provided as a service of MTJ. MTJ is not responsible for the opinions and information posted on social media by others. In no event shall MTJ be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data, or profits, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of any information posted on this site or any other MTJ social media outlet. Do not post any defamatory, abusive, profane, threatening, offensive, or illegal materials. Do not post any information or other material protected by copyright without the permission of the copyright owner. By posting material, the posting party warrants and represents that he or she owns the copyright with respect to such material or has received permission from the copyright owner. In addition, the posting party grants MTJ and users of the groups the nonexclusive right and license to display, copy, publish, distribute, transmit, print, and use such information or other material. Messages should not be posted if they encourage or facilitate members to arrive at any agreement that either expressly or impliedly leads to price fixing, a boycott of another's business, or other conduct intended to illegally restrict free trade.. MTJ does not actively monitor the site for inappropriate postings and does not on its own undertake editorial control of postings, outside of the basic principles laid out in the rules above.. However, in the event that any inappropriate posting is brought to our attention, we will take all appropriate action, and currently all decisions fall under the discretion of our Founder.. MTJ  reserves the right to terminate access to any user who does not abide by these guidelines.