To apply for either of the following opportunities, complete ACNM’s Volunteer Application Form by September 15, 2020.
Consumer Engagement Committee
ACNM’s Consumer Engagement Committee (CEC), chaired by Chris Kocis in the Division of Advocacy and Affiliate Support seeks members who are passionate about promoting midwifery. All members are encouraged to apply.
The CEC provides recommendations and expertise to the ACNM Board of Directors (BOD), affiliate leadership, and members related to increasing consumer engagement in midwifery. It also participates in and promotes activities/initiatives for the purpose of education about midwifery as an option for health care as well as a career path.
Members are not asked to engage with all the responsibilities below, but to volunteer for the areas in which they are most interested. Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
- Engage and partner with organizations supporting midwifery with a shared goal of targeting the dismantling of systemic racism, health disparities, and institutional injustices.
- Collaborate with the Membership and Marketing Committee to develop online resources for use in promoting all aspects of midwifery practices with an equity lens.
- Support outreach/education to high school and college students with an emphasis on communities represented by Black, Indigenous and people of color (through development of strategies and materials).
- Develop and promote strategies that will enhance the engagement of all consumers in services offering the midwifery model of care.
- Coordinate/network with other pertinent committees/divisions to achieve these goals.
State Government Affairs Committee Preceptor Subcommittee
The ACNM BOD, advised by a working group of members from the Committee of Advancement of Midwifery Education (CAME) and other education-related groups and committees, is committed to identifying solutions to the challenges of preceptor recruitment and retention. The BOD knows that effectively addressing this challenge will advance the midwifery profession and bolster its workforce. The “preceptor shortage” has long been an issue and stated barrier to providing high-quality educational experiences for midwifery students. CAME has recommended a variety of policy solutions, including the state-level solution of working toward legislation that would provide for tax incentives, or preceptor tax credits. Recently CO, HI, GA, and MD have passed versions of this legislation; 11 other states are considering preceptor tax credits.
The State Government Affairs Committee (SGAC) seeks a Subcommittee Chair and members to champion preceptor tax credit legislation in the states. The subcommittee would educate, support, and assist state affiliates who want to work to introduce this legislation. Students are encouraged to apply.