The ACNM Midwives Political Action Committee (PAC) is busy planning for a successful PAC Rally at the Annual Meeting & Exhibition this May just outside Washington, DC! Each year, the PAC Rally is attended by over 300 midwives, bringing in nearly $50,000. The PAC Rally consists of several, popular components. Understanding each element of the Rally will help you focus your support and attention. If you’ve never attended a PAC Rally, rest assured this is an event filled with enthusiasm, laughs and infectious generosity.
From Prelude to Live Auction Awesomeness
The PAC Rally begins with the silent auction items. This is an important prelude to the live auction and includes a variety of handmade, store bought, and novelty donations. Popular items each year include: cherished midwifery office mementos from retirees (a hand written note on its history and meaning to the donor increases the value); books signed by author; art; jewelry; wood work; pottery; creative puppetry; and artful dilation boards to name just a few. This all precedes the Live Auction of items that are extremely special: Mother/baby art; exotic trips; vacation homes; new technologies; and more mementos from our many noteworthy former presidents, etc. And if you’re not interested in these, the fund-a-voice allows you to donate directly alongside your fellow midwives – remember that infectious generosity we mentioned? The success of both the silent and live auction components depends purely on your participation! To contribute an item, please e-mail: Liz Howard at lhoward02906@gmail.com or fill out the in-kind donation form (https://goo.gl/forms/y2MgtAAMaKMxlzsl2).
Where to Get Tickets and Make a Difference!
Washington DC will be an exciting time for the PAC and we need every person that is able to attend the rally. Tickets are $50.00 for nonstudents and $20 for students and can be purchased with your ACNM Annual Meeting registration or onsite. Celebrate with us at both the silent and live auction events. A beautiful selection of wines will be available for a donation at our Wine Pull. The rally will begin at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, May 21, just prior to the awards dinner and ceremony. Those who are unable to attend can make their donation to the PAC by stopping by the Advocacy booths in the exhibit hall.
Every dollar raised at this event goes directly toward ACNM’s advocacy efforts. Our country needs midwifery, and we need policies that advance our profession and expand our reach! Our outcomes speak for themselves, but only when people are listening. Donations from the PAC to legislator’s campaigns builds relationships and enables us to speak up for midwives.
By Elisabeth Howard, PhD, CNM, FACNM
Member, Midwives PAC
and Emily Hart Hayes, DNP, CNM, WHNP
Chair, Midwives PAC
Chair, ACMN Midwives-PAC