The invitation process:
The kids are divided into age groups. Each chapter sets a limit for the number of kids in a group. When a vacancy occurs, i.e. the child moves to the next group, or the family moves, then mothers are nominated that have a child in that age group. If the mother who is accepted has other children then they are also accepted in the other age groups, vacancy or not. Sorta like add-ons.
I was an add-on, because my mother was invited because of my younger sister. So I had to fit in with a group that had been together for many years. If any of you are from the Lou, suffice it to say that Michael Roberts was in my group, or rather I was in his. His younger brother was in my sister's group.