I’ve been listening to better understand the big issues that people both inside and outside of this organization are concerned with about DONA. Not only have I heard the concerns, but I know that together we can move this organization forward to not only address these points but also to go above and beyond expectations. Here are five major identified issues and how, if elected, I propose to address them during my leadership tenure at DONA International.
- A need for consistent training programs and diverse trainers
Lack of consistent teaching is a significant problem for an organization that purports to be “the leader in evidence-based doula training, certification, & continuing education.” DONA training standards need to be consistent and trainers who are not meeting standards should be asked to stop training new doulas. During my time in leadership, I would propose an audit of doula trainer curricula and implement a program to make sure that all trainers are teaching to the highest standards possible.
I would also like to focus on adding doulas of color to the trainer roster. People need to have doulas that look like them and come from their communities. I would very much like to push for more trainers of color during my time on the board.
- Provide doula mentorship to those who want it
Mentorship is sorely missing for many doula trainees, such that many individual doulas have started mentoring groups specifically using the DONA name to promote themselves with no oversight from our organization. This has to change. I will propose a doula mentorship program that all new doulas could participate in if they so choose.
There is a massive amount of doula know-how and talent sitting un-tapped because experienced doulas aren’t being connected with new doulas, and new doulas deserve to have the option to have the mentorship they need to launch. A simple doula matching program cane set up a new doula with an experienced mentor, so the newer doula can begin to grow their practice with support and guidance. A bonus will be that the doula mentorship program will foster doula connections around the world and a greater sense of community within our organization.
- Improved continuing education and business training
I see many people complain about a lack of business training in their initial doula workshop. Trainers are being asked to train to all different types of doula approaches at the same time, which creates challenges.. I do believe that people who plan to approach doula work as a business could benefit from access to additional training if they would find it helpful. As an organization that supports many different ways to practice, it would behoove us to have a greater catalog of more advanced trainings that new doulas can access. The process of applying for advanced training courses needs to be streamlined and simplified to encourage development in this area.. The process is unnecessarily intimidating, and our organization would greatly benefit from it being revised.
- Nurture and grow our next leaders from within our organization
We desperately need a true leadership pipeline to keep pushing toward our organization’s long-term goals. There is so much potential in the amazing membership of this organization that is not being tapped. Having a clear vision for the future of the organization and our big goals is imperative to identifying leaders that can help implement that, and as a leader in this organization, my goal would be to simplify communication between committees, and also between leaders and members. DONA leaders will know what is going on within the organization, what members need, and how to get things done.
- Create a transparent and communicative organization
Transparency from DONA leadership is absolutely critical and has not always been front and center. As a member-driven, non-profit organization, we are accountable to our membership for what actions are being considered by leadership and what decisions are being made,s. Leadership needs to do a better job of communicating what important developments and projects are being undertaken by the board and committees.. A servant leader knows who their service is for, and as a leader within DONA, I would push for greater transparency so that our members can know exactly how their membership dollars are being allocated and how we are pushing for changes at all levels to help push the doula profession forward. Communicating this information by simple, unveiled language, through our established communication channels is something I would focus on during my time as a leader.
I appreciate the time and energy that the board and committee members contribute to running DONA International. As a member who has not yet served on the board, I researched and examined the issues facing our organization. I want to better understand where DONA has come up short and how we can better serve our members in the future. If we want to keep pushing the doula profession forward, we must be willing to remain flexible and react nimbly when and where necessary and develop a clear vision for how to do things differently as we move forward. I truly believe that I am the person who will work together with current leaders to make a difference for DONA International. You have my word, that I promise to always keep listening to the critiques and working to find solutions to them when appropriate.