More information about the #SoloMomsInSTEMM Slack group:

Channels Guide

If you’ve never heard of channels, imagine these as different discussion threads. Once you have been added to the SoloMomsInSTEMM slack group, you are automatically added to several channels by community management:

  • #introduceyourself: introductions and engaging with other moms. 

  • #career: discuss any career challenges you are facing, how motherhood has affected your career development, and share insights on what has worked for you.

  • #challenges: here you can discuss any challenges you have faced or are facing as a solo parent in STEMM, including everyday struggles of solo parenting in your personal life or in your career.

  • #covid19pandemic: troubles and struggles that COVID has placed not only on your STEMM career but also on you as a solo parent. 

  • #motherhood: discussions about motherhood and what it is to all of us

  • #financialsupportandresources: how to find financial support and resources

  • #grantsandfellowships: to share research grants, scholarships, and fellowships for mothers/caregivers or for solo parents, from any country. For other types of financial aid or support check

  • #random: everything else. It’s a place for jokes, spur-of-the-moment ideas, pets/kids pictures, and funny memes and GIFs. 

  • #general

Note: Anything posted to a public channel is browsable and searchable by all of the members.


Managing Notifications

  • Don't feel like you need to read every single message on every Slack channel.

  • You can set ping notifications for direct messages, mentions, or all messages for certain channels.

  • You can subscribe to have certain words highlighted - i.e. send me a Slack notification whenever someone says "Ruby on Rails" or "Wordpress".

  • You can configure different notification settings for your laptop vs your phone.


How do I connect with others privately?

One of the cool features of the Slack communities is that you can direct message (DM) any member of the community – You can DM just one person or up to 8 other people (9, including you)! Direct messages are private, ad hoc conversations and are best for quick discussions like discussing the week’s latest news or making plans to meet for coffee. All direct messages are visible and searchable only to members included in the DM.


What’s up with @mentions?

How do you call the attention of a specific member(s) on Slack? By typing “@ + name of the person(s) you are trying to reach,” the person mentioned will be notified. There are two ways to use this feature: choose from a list of members or type a @mention (i.e country channel, or “channel” to notify everyone there).


How can I invite other mothers to join the Community?

You are the ambassadors for the value of this community, so we encourage you to spread the word about the #SoloMomsInSTEMM slack group.