08/25/2021
Message from Your New Board
MANA Members and friends,
An email was sent out several hours ago which the entire board did not approve nor does the entire board agree with the content.
Vice President - Sarah Foster, Treasurer - Deb Sahlstrom, Secretary - Wendi Cleckner and Director - Yesenia Guzmán are here to fill the positions with passion and love for MANA and the Members. We are the ones who have always been listening. We are the ones who want to save MANA and move it forward.
It is true that we have heard from the membership in a powerful way in regards to the vote of removal of Sarita Bennett. It was clear the large majority desired Sarita Bennett’s removal as President of MANA. Through many discussions it was questioned if this vote was done according to the NonProfit laws that govern MANA in the state of Washington, MANA Bylaws and MANA Policy and Procedures. After much time and council it was deemed a formal removal process would be required. That removal process is underway.
In preparation for the removal process and in light of former Secretary Renata Hillman’s and former Vice President Tomasina Oliver’s resignations, which the board has accepted, the board was shifted into the new positions that were announced in the first email and are seen here. We will man these positions, acting in the best interests of the organization, until we can complete the fall board-wide election.
We want to make it very clear to our membership and the world that MANA IS NOT CONSIDERING DISSOLUTION. While a proposal for dissolution was submitted several times by several members of the executive board, the majority of the board overwhelmingly and vehemently opposed dissolution. The remaining members of the board strongly believe in the mission and vision of MANA and affirm that MANA has NOT outlived its usefulness. MANA is alive and evolving. MANA is necessary. The current board is here to fight for every member who wants MANA to continue its work.
However, we can not do this work alone. This is a cry for action. This is a plea for your involvement! MANA NEEDS YOU! ALL positions on the board will be up for election by the end of 2021. We are currently forming the Election Nomination Committee. Please contact Sarah Foster at [email protected] with a letter of interest if you are interested in volunteering on the committee. See the list of all positions and their responsibilities below. Please consider taking an active role in MANA today.
Sarah, Deb, Wendi and Yesenia
ALL OPEN BOARD POSITIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS
PRESIDENT
BYLAW REQUIREMENTS:
The President shall provide leadership, have general supervision of the affairs of MANA,
be authorized to sign or endorse checks in the absence of the Treasurer, shall serve as the
contractual agent of MANA, shall serve ex-officio on all committees of MANA, and
shall perform other such duties as are necessarily incident to the office of President or as
may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
The President shall have served as a Board member in another office before becoming
President. In the absence of a nominee who meets this requirement, the Executive
Council shall open nominations to all voting members.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The President’s primary roles are to provide leadership for the Board of Directors and
participate in the governance of the organization. As “chief volunteer”, the President
works with the board, staff and community to further the organization’s vision and
mission, co-facilitate the actualization of the strategic plan, provide guidance in the
creation and implementation of policies and procedures, oversee programs and projects,
and delegate tasks in order to accomplish Board and organizational activities. The
President influences how the board uses its time, the selection of board members and its
future leadership. The President is an ex officio member of all committees, sections, and
divisions.
The President has four key areas of responsibility:
Board leadership and oversight
organizational representation
envisioning and implementation of organizational strategic directions
organizational sustainability
The President will:
be a current voting member of MANA
attend all Board meetings and as many phone calls as possible
oversee Board and Executive Council meetings
oversight of the Division of Access and Equity, the Division of Research (DOR),
and the ICM Section as liaison to the board
be the primary spokesperson for the organization
call special meetings if necessary
facilitate meetings at annual conference and give annual President’s report
engagement in annual award’s recipient selection and ceremony at conference
initiate board appointments of all committee chairs, and implement committee
governance policy
prepare agenda for board calls and meetings (with the Secretary and Vice
President, and input from others as needed)
act as liaison to various entities within and external to MANA
coordinate annual performance evaluations (along with the Treasurer or Executive
Director) for staff members
work with the Leadership and Recruitment Committee to recruit new board
members
periodically consult with Board members on their roles and help them assess their
performance
PREFERRED SKILL SET:
Previous nonprofit board experience or volunteer experience for an organization with
similar goals as MANA is preferred, but not required. Persons seeking this position will
actively pursue, appreciate and mentor the broadest cultural and geographic diversity to
the Board, and have knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety and competency.
Additional preferred skills: strong leadership that encourages team building, integrity,
resilience, confidence, public speaking ability, bi-lingual, technical and computer literacy
skills, writing proficiency, networking capability, multitasking, and strategic planning.
COMMITMENT:
This position requires a minimum of twenty hours per week, but may be more depending
on travel for the organization and projects the President participates in.
VICE PRESIDENT
BYLAW REQUIREMENTS:
The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the temporary absence of
the President or take over as President should the President be unable to permanently
perform the duties of the position. The Vice President is the coordinator of standing
committees determined by the Board of Directors. The Vice President acts in support to
the membership as liaison between the Board of Directors and Membership Advisory
Council (MAC). The Vice President will perform such other duties as may be assigned
by the President, or the Board of Directors.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Vice President has five key areas of responsibility:
Board leadership
oversight and coordination of all committees and sections including chairs and
volunteers
responsible for the Membership Advisory Council
responsible for committee chair and volunteer engagement at MANA conferences
direct contact with President regarding all matters and has full understanding of
the President’s role and duties
The Vice President supports the mission, vision and values of MANA, has experience
working on the Board of Directors with a recognized service record, has an understanding
of potential impact of MANA’s decisions on the midwifery community, and will be
committed to the success of MANA’s projects and programs.
The Vice President will:
be a current voting member of MANA
attend phone, virtual, and in-person Board meetings, and annual conference
serve on the Executive Council
carry out special assignments as requested by the Board President
understand the responsibilities of the Board President and be able to perform
these duties in the absence of the President
participate in Board leadership and mentoring new Board members
assist the President and Secretary in preparation of Board meeting agendas
act as liaison to various entities within and external to MANA
oversee the Division of Research task force and liaison with the board
oversee all MANA committees and sections, and regularly communicate with
chairs and volunteers and/or Division Directors and liaison with the board
at conference, will schedule and facilitate all committee functions and honorary
recognitions of committee chairs and volunteers
PREFERRED SKILL SET:
Previous nonprofit board experience or volunteer experience for an organization with
similar goals as MANA is preferred, but not required. Persons seeking this position will
actively pursue, appreciate and mentor the broadest cultural and geographic diversity to
the Board, and have knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety and competency.
Additional preferred skills include strong leadership that encourages team building,
ability to bridge between committees, sections and divisions, strategic planning, systems
coordination and flexibility.
COMMITMENT:
The amount of time that members spend on MANA Board work ranges from 0 to 15
hours per week depending on the time of year and projects they are involved in. Board
members are expected to follow through with deadlines and commitments made, with the
understanding that we are all practicing midwives.
TREASURER
BYLAW REQUIREMENTS:
The Treasurer shall be custodian of the funds of MANA, give an itemized report at each
meeting of the Board of Directors and at the annual meeting of MANA, be an ex-officio
member of the Finance Committee, make recommendations and invest money with the
approval of the Board of Directors after consultation with the Finance Committee, and
perform other duties as pertain to the office.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Treasurer has eight key areas of responsibility:
oversight of all financial transactions, maintenance of financial records, taxes, etc.
maintenance of bank account(s) and investments
prepare and manage budgets
manage grant funds
assure adherence to organizational financial policies
serve as Chair of the Finance Committee and on the Board of the Foundation for
the Advancement of Midwifery (FAM) as board liaison
regularly report to the Board of Directors regarding financial trends, assessments
and concerns
The Treasurer will:
be a current voting member of MANA
attend telephone, virtual, and in-person Board meetings, and annual conference
serve on the Executive Council
in the absence of the Executive Director, oversee staff contracts and annual
evaluations
create the agenda for and participate in regular Finance Team meetings
ensure the safety and accuracy of all financial records
make investments to the optimum benefit of MANA
oversee and maintain grants and special funds
financial report to membership at annual conference business meeting
oversight of conference finances on and off site
maintain inventory of fixed assets and merchandise (along with the Merchandise
Chair)
contract with a CPA to prepare annual 990 IRS form (or do it if capable)
provide and/or arrange for auditing at the request of the Board of Directors
ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the Board of
Directors on a timely basis
keep currently informed of legal, regulatory and sector developments relating to
the Board’s financial responsibilities
PREFERRED SKILL SET:
Previous nonprofit board experience or volunteer experience for an organization with
similar goals as MANA is preferred, but not required. Persons seeking this position will
actively pursue, appreciate and mentor the broadest cultural and geographic diversity to
the Board, and have knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety and competency.
Additional preferred skills include: financial knowledge of the organization,
understanding of financial accounting for nonprofits, knowledge of and commitment to
cultural safety and competency, honesty, integrity, well-organized, and understanding of
computer technology.
COMMITMENT:
The amount of time that members spend on MANA Board work ranges from 0 to 15
hours per week depending on the time of year and projects they are involved in. Board
members are expected to follow through with deadlines and commitments made, with the
understanding that we are all practicing midwives.
SECRETARY
BYLAW REQUIREMENTS:
The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping and distributing the minutes of all
meetings of MANA, the Board of Directors and the Executive Council, for coordinating
all MANA correspondence, and for other such duties as pertain to the office.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Secretary has six key areas of responsibility:
record keeping
recording and disseminating board call and meeting minutes
correspondence
generating and monitoring board member task lists
participating with Director of Organizational Development to continually update
Policy and Procedure Handbook
creating, organizing and disseminating Board packets for spring and fall Board
meetings
The Secretary will:
be a current voting member of MANA
format agendas for Board calls, and work with the President to create the agenda
for in person Board meetings
attend phone, virtual, and in-person Board meetings, and annual conference
serve on the Executive Council
ensure the safety and accuracy of all Board records, and archive MANA material
when appropriate
assist the President and other Board members to create letters and other MANA
documentation that will be used internally and externally
with the Board, create annual report for conference and take minutes at the
business meeting at the annual conference and any board associated meetings
create and review Board minutes and ensure Board minutes are approved by the
Board of Directors in a timely manner
provide notice to the Board of all Board meetings and committee meetings, when
appropriate
PREFERRED SKILL SET:
Previous nonprofit board experience or volunteer experience for an organization with
similar goals as MANA is preferred, but not required. Persons seeking this position will
actively pursue, appreciate and mentor the broadest cultural and geographic diversity to
the Board, and have knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety and competency.
Additional preferred skills include: ability in computer technology and social media,
well-organized, listening skills, writing and editing skills, and patience.
COMMITMENT:
The amount of time that members spend on MANA Board work ranges from 0 to 15
hours per week depending on the time of year and projects they are involved in. Board
members are expected to follow through with deadlines and commitments made, with the
understanding that we are all practicing midwives.
DIRECTOR – DIVISION OF ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of the Division of Organizational Development has eight key areas of
responsibility:
leadership and optimization of MANA as a nonprofit organization
organizational communication
business contracts, sales and marketing
building strategic partnerships
grant writing
membership recruitment and retention
managing organizational change
The Director of the Division of Organizational Development is responsible for
developing a robust business model for the organization with sustainable resources to
support MANA’s mission, vision and goals.
The Director will:
be a current voting member of MANA
attend phone, virtual, and in-person Board meetings, and annual conference
promote the mission, vision, and goals of MANA from a business perspective
assist in securing resources to support the organization
develop a diverse and inclusive leadership and membership recruitment and
retention program with appropriate mentorship opportunities
assess organizational strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, and assist in
focusing strategic direction
resolve conflicts and identify systemic factors that allow conflicts, chaos, or
disorganization to occur
oversee organizational core documents and updates to these documents
develop merchandise and a marketing strategy with the Director of Events
increase membership
verify and recruit members at annual conference
oversee the following committees:
o Sales and Merchandising Development Committee
o Fundraising Committee
o Membership Committee
o Nominations and Elections Committee
o ad hoc Committees as needed
PREFERRED SKILL SET:
Previous nonprofit board experience or volunteer experience for an organization with
similar goals as MANA is preferred, but not required. Persons seeking this position will
actively pursue, appreciate and mentor the broadest cultural and geographic diversity to
the Board, and have knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety and competency.
Additional preferred skills include: strategic planning, priority setting, understanding
organizational systems, innovation, creativity, agility with the consensus process, Board
leadership development skills.
COMMITMENT:
The amount of time that members spend on MANA Board work ranges from 0 to 15
hours per week depending on the time of year and projects they are involved in. Board
members are expected to follow through with deadlines and commitments made, with the
understanding that we are all practicing midwives.
DIRECTOR – DIVISION OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of the Division of Professional Development has four key areas of
responsibility:
promoting public awareness of midwifery as the gold standard of maternity care
promoting opportunities for continuing education and professional development
for midwives
creating and maintaining position papers and professional development
documents, such as core competencies and standards
acting as liaison to MANA Student Section
The Director of the Division of Professional Development is responsible for overseeing
the development of the profession of midwifery within the organization, maintaining
MANA’s strong voice of expertise regarding the Midwifery Model of Care and normal
physiologic birth, and impacting policy through the dissemination of transformative
research findings.
The Director will:
be a current voting member of MANA
attend phone, virtual, and in-person Board meetings, and annual conference
maintain essential professional development documents
provide and promote avenues for continuing education
create educational training modules and curriculum
organize Student Section activities at conference
oversee Scholarship Program
participate in the conference program committee
oversee intern mentorship program
work with the Secretary to archive MANA materials as needed
oversee the following committees:
o Document Committee
o Professional Development Committee
o Student Section
o Scholarship Committee
o ad hoc Committees as needed
PREFERRED SKILL SET:
Previous nonprofit board experience or volunteer experience for an organization with
similar goals as MANA is preferred, but not required. Persons seeking this position will
actively pursue, appreciate and mentor the broadest cultural and geographic diversity to
the Board, and have knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety and competency.
Additional preferred skills: attention to detail, excellent writing skills, ability to create
educational opportunities, management skills, and excellent people skills.
COMMITMENT:
The amount of time that members spend on MANA Board work ranges from 0 to 15
hours per week depending on the time of year and projects they are involved in. Board
members are expected to follow through with deadlines and commitments made, with the
understanding that we are all practicing midwives.
DIRECTOR – DIVISION OF EVENTS
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of the Division of Events has four key areas of responsibility:
education
annual and regional conferences
international meetings and conferences
merchandising
The Director is responsible to maintain MANA’s strong voice of expertise regarding the
Midwives Model of Care and normal physiologic birth and to create opportunities for
professional growth and networking through the annual Conference.
The Director will:
● be a current voting member of MANA
● attend phone, virtual, and in-person board meetings, and annual conference
● promote educational opportunities
● oversee annual and regional conferences and liaison with Conference Coordinator
and all conference committees
● coordinate MANA’s attendance at and participation in local, national, and
international meetings and conferences
● increase MANA’s merchandising selling capabilities through events
● assemble a diverse and highly competent Program Committee along with the
Program Chair
● with board input, appoint a Program Chair
● work closely with the treasurer to determine conference budget(s)
● ensure that communications regarding the conference are being adequately
disseminated and overseen
● maintain a conference handbook that is accessible and updated with current
conference policies
● be the board liason between MANA conference volunteers and staff and local
committee conference volunteers and staff
● ensure the technology capability of the conference is using updated and
progressive registration and applications to ensure ease of attendance at national
and regional conferences
● oversee the following committees:
o Conference Committee (and all Committees related to Conference)
o Merchandise Committee with Director of Organizational Development
o ad hoc Committees as needed
PREFERRED SKILL SET:
Previous nonprofit board experience or volunteer experience for an organization with
similar goals as MANA is preferred, but not required. Persons seeking this position will
actively pursue, appreciate and mentor the broadest cultural and geographic diversity to
the Board, and have knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety and competency.
Additional preferred skills: experience organizing midwifery conferences, basic
technology competency, strong organizational skills, people skills, patience, multi-
tasking, planning and follow through capabilities.
COMMITMENT:
The amount of time that members spend on MANA Board work ranges from 0 to 15
hours per week depending on the time of year and projects they are involved in. Board
members are expected to follow through with deadlines and commitments made, with the
understanding that we are all practicing midwives.
DIRECTOR – DIVISION OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of the Division of Public Affairs has four key areas of responsibility:
outreach activities
communications and social media
acquire and share knowledge of trends, activities and events in maternal and child
health arenas
marketing MANA
The Director of the Division of Public Affairs is responsible for outreach to the broader
world. The Director will communicate with media, MANA members, and the general
public about events both within the organization and in the larger world of midwifery and
maternal child health, helping to ensure that midwives will become widely known and
respected in the United States and internationally as quality health care providers.
The Director will:
be a current voting member of MANA
attend phone, virtual, and in-person Board meetings, and annual conference
work with the Organizational Development Director to plan and develop
marketing strategies and materials
be responsible for implementation of the organization& #39;s marketing strategies,
communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal
work with the Communications Committee Chair to post activities and events in
midwifery and maternal and child health arenas
take leadership in MANA communication projects, including on Facebook,
Twitter, and blogs
in coordination with the Vice President, oversee Media Response Team and Press
Officer
branding and review of all MANA materials including conference
oversee awards ceremony at conference
manage promotion of sales, membership drives, merchandise, and conferences
oversee the following committees:
o Communications Committee
o Media Response Team
o Public Relations and Marketing Committee
o ad hoc Committees as needed
PREFERRED SKILL SET:
Previous nonprofit board experience or volunteer experience for an organization with
similar goals as MANA is preferred, but not required. Persons seeking this position will
actively pursue, appreciate and mentor the broadest cultural and geographic diversity to
the Board, and have knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety and competency.
Additional preferred skills: broad and complete understanding of social media, liaison
skills, ability to interact with public and the press, excellent speaking and writing skills.
COMMITMENT:
The amount of time that members spend on MANA Board work ranges from 0 to 15
hours per week depending on the time of year and projects they are involved in. Board
members are expected to follow through with deadlines and commitments made, with the
understanding that we are all practicing midwives.
DIRECTOR – DIVISION OF HEALTH POLICY & ADVOCACY
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of the Division of Health Policy and Advocacy has key areas of
responsibility:
knowledge and expertise in issues that involve midwifery work force,
reimbursement, education, credentialing
knowledge and expertise in ICM global standards, including knowledge of
Education, Regulation, Association (ERA)
participation in advocacy projects and coalitions
oversight of certain MANA Committees.
The Director of the Division of Health Policy and Advocacy is responsible to maintain
MANA’s strong voice of expertise regarding the Midwifery Model of Care and normal
physiologic birth and to impact policy through the dissemination of transformative
research findings.
knowledge and expertise in International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)
global standards, including knowledge of Education, Regulation, and Association
(ERA), especially as it relates to US midwifery
knowledge and understanding of national credentialing and educational bodies
such as NARM and AMCB, MEAC and ACME
knowledge and expertise in State issues that involve midwifery work force,
insurance and Medicaid reimbursement, education, legislative processes, and
credentialing
oversight of States’ Community Partner Committee
responsible to maintain MANA’s core mission and
vision as a strong voice of expertise regarding the equitable implementation of the
Midwives Model of Care. This will be accomplished through relationship with
leadership and individual members on the State level, with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Director will:
be a current voting member of MANA
attend phone, virtual, and in-person Board meetings, and annual conference
maintain knowledge of and report trends and events in State and global midwifery legislation and maternal child health policies coordinate legislative updates for MANA website
in coordination with the President, nurture and maintain strategic partnerships,
alliances and collaborations in coordination with the President, oversee Division of Access and Equity address knowledge gaps regarding out of hospital birth, licensing/credentialing,
and education pathways
provide regional, national and international advocacy through mentorship or by
providing testimony
disseminate transformative research findings in midwifery care across the lifespan
to impact policy change for optimal outcomes
in State midwifery legislation
through the MANA website, social media, and newsletters
in coordination with the President and Vice President, nurture and maintain
strategic State partnerships, alliances, and collaborations, through engagement
with States’ leadership and membership to assure these groups are well
represented nationally
provide State advocacy through mentorship or by providing testimony when
requested
be responsible for scheduling and facilitating State leadership and Community
Partner meetings at the MANA conference as well as facilitate State legislative
reports at the annual meeting
participate as a liaison between the MANA Board and the MANA Division of
Access & Equity through regular communication and engagement with the
Division’s Coordinating Council
oversee the following committees:
o Legislative Committees
o Legal Advisory Committee
o ICM Section
o Community Partners
o Ad hoc Committees as needed
PREFERRED SKILL SET:
Previous nonprofit board experience or volunteer experience for an organization with
similar goals as MANA is preferred, but not necessary. Persons seeking this position will
actively pursue, appreciate and mentor the broadest cultural and geographic diversity to
the Board, and have knowledge of and commitment to cultural safety and competency.
Additional preferred skills: expertise in State level MCH policy work and MCH policy work and public campaigning,
excellent writing and verbal communication skills, confidence, tactfulness, motivation,
knowledgeable of principles and practices of social and reproductive justice, access and equity, collaborative team player, effective organizer, and negotiation skills.
COMMITMENT:
The amount of time that members spend on MANA Board work ranges from 0 to 15
hours per week depending on the time of year and projects they are involved in. Board
members are expected to follow through with deadlines and commitments made, with the
understanding that we are all practicing midwives.
Midwives Alliance of North America
PO Box 83
Milaca, MN 56353
[email protected]
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