There are so many ways to advocate for midwifery and make sure your state affiliate is in the best position for influence and impact in next year’s legislative sessions. Many affiliates are already strategically positioned for success and here’s how each midwife can help:
- Are you and your patients registered to vote? The deadlines in many states are quickly approaching and you can find your state’s deadlines here.
- There are just 25 days left before the midterm elections. And in some states, early voting starts very soon. At stake are many important issues including access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care. Make informed choices: get a sample ballot from your state’s election office and find out about your candidates up and down the ballot. Choose the candidates who most closely align with your values, are willing to invest in solving the maternal health crisis and support unfettered access to midwifery care.
- Take your advocacy to the next level and volunteer for your favorite local, state or national candidate. Attend a fundraiser, knock on doors, host a listening session, make phone calls or write postcards. This raises the visibility of midwifery and builds relationships with policy makers that last a lifetime. Contact your local party’s office or candidate’s website for more information on volunteering.
Contact swertman@acnm.org or akohl@acnm.org to discuss improving your state’s practice environment and taking advocacy steps to reach our strategic goals to ensure midwifery for every community!
Quickening is the official member publication and digital news site for the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Content is written by and for ACNM members and staff.