Board Member Application

Company

The Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery

Position

Volunteer Board Member

Company Description 

The Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery (FAM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization seeking to improve maternal health by funding projects that advance midwifery as the gold standard for North American maternity care through research, public education, advocacy, and health equity initiatives. We envision a world where access to respectful and culturally appropriate maternity care from community-based midwives is available to all families and recognized as a human right.

Founded in 2003, FAM is guided by the following values:

•         Midwifery. We respect the impact of childbearing on individuals, families, and communities and recognize midwives as essential to preserving and reclaiming the sanctity of birth.
•         Equity and Social Justice. We commit to funding grants that confront the intersecting social, racial, and economic factors, which result in severe disparities in maternal and child health outcomes.
•         Inclusiveness. We acknowledge the diverse backgrounds of midwives, birthing families, ourselves, and our collaborators. Our best work necessitates inclusiveness within race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, income, ability, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, family structure, citizenship status, and other characteristics of being human.
•         Advocacy. We support advocacy as a tool to dismantle institutional barriers to midwifery care and to effect tangible policy and regulatory changes.
•         Education & Research. We recognize that transforming maternity care systems requires sustained investment in high quality research and public education about midwifery care and its outcomes.
•         Stewardship. We commit to the responsible stewardship of funds entrusted to us by donors.
•         Participation. We honor the participation of our donors, volunteers, grantees, partners, and allies whose myriad contributions have impacted families and maternity care systems.

Since its inception, the organization has granted funding to more than 50 organizations across North America. Programs and projects funded include critical research on the midwifery model of care, training programs for those serving vulnerable populations of birthing women, public education campaigns targeting consumers, students, and policy makers; and capacity building for midwifery education and licensing organizations.

The Board of Directors is the primary decision-making body for FAM, responsible for sustaining and executing our activities and programs.

Job Description

The FAM Board of Directors comprises dedicated stakeholders made up of midwifery clients, midwives, midwifery students, and advocates for the midwifery model of care. Serving on FAM’s Board of Directors is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about increasing access to respectful and culturally appropriate maternity care from community based midwives for all families.

Board members are expected to follow FAM’s bylaws and policies (including those related to conflict of interest and confidentiality).

Board members are expected to attend two board meetings per month and an annual retreat. They are expected to read board materials in advance of board meetings and to come prepared to participate in discussions.

Board members are expected to serve on one or more committees of the board and to actively participate in committee work.

Board members are expected to play an active role in securing the financial resources necessary for FAM to achieve its mission. Board members are expected to leverage personal relationships and connections to help identify and solicit potential funders.

Board members are expected to responsibly represent FAM to their respective communities and to advocate for FAM’s mission, programs, and services as appropriate.

Board terms last for three years and board members can serve for up to two consecutive terms.

Desired Skills and Expertise

We are currently recruiting for diverse leaders with expertise in the one following area:·          

• Accountant or Bookkeeping Professional (with non-profit experience preferred);
• Graphic or Web Design;
• Social Media Marketing;
• Advocacy and Public Policy;
• Fundraising and Event Planning;
• Public Health Professional 
• Midwives and birth workers
• Non-profit Leadership

We welcome interested applicants with additional skills not listed. 

Interested candidates should apply by submitting an informal email describing your interest and connection to midwifery, explain why you would be a good fit and any skills or hidden talents you bring and a resume or LinkedIn profile. All applications and inquiries related to this position should be submitted to info@formidwifery.org. Applications should include the subject line “FAM Board of Directors [Candidate’s Last Name].

Applications will be accepted until January 10, 2022. Late submissions will be considered until the board is at capacity. Applicants will be informed of our decision within one month of submitting their applications. Eligible candidates will receive an invitation to a virtual meet and greet with the board of directors to mutually explore if this opportunity is an ideal fit. FAM has a diverse board and values diversity and the benefits it brings to the board. In accordance with this value, FAM strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.