Oregon Doula Leadership Program
Regional Representative
Often, statewide organizations face the disadvantage of not having connections throughout the diverse regions of the state. ODA board members and staff live and work within the I-5 corridor; and while our members live and serve each of the identified regions, we know that this does not always translate to their voices being heard, their needs being met, or challenges addressed.
There are over 500 birth doulas on the Traditional Health Worker (THW) registry and many more doulas in the state that are either working towards or have elected not to participate in the THW Doula program for various reasons, the goal with this program is to ensure that doulas across the state, especially in rural, underrepresented, and underserved areas are included in conversations that influence the distribution of resources, shape legislative advocacy, and build statewide support.
Be the bridge between your community and the Oregon Doula Association!
Application Process
We encourage and expect everyone involved within ODA to share their unique experiences, skills, and compassion into this work. However, to ensure there is a level of consistency among Regional Representatives, we ask for the following prerequisites:
Personal Skills
Communicates effectively
Demonstrates an accepting and respectful attitude towards others, ensuring equitable practices are kept at all times
Provides information, resources, and support without judgement
Open to capacitate further skills and knowledge to fulfill the role
Leads with integrity, honesty, and in the best interest of the organization, its members and the community at all times.
We acknowledge that there are various types of doulas serving a unique purpose. For the purpose of this program, we invite doulas who provide birth, postpartum, full-spectrum, bereavement, or other doula services in the perinatal continuum. Doula work goes beyond direct-client care. We invite doulas who are working in policy, health systems, training doulas or doula administration to apply.
Organizational
Supports the Mission, Vision, and Values of ODA
Trained as a doula in any of the capacities above
Actively working as a doula or involved in doula related work
Participate in Oregon Doula Association’s Committees
Lives in the region they are wishing to represent
Demonstrates clear understanding that being a Regional Representative is volunteer work
Is willing to make time to fulfill the responsibilities of being a Regional Representative
Has basic understanding of the doula models of care, specifically as it relates to the Traditional Health Worker Doulas and Medicaid Billing Processes
If you do not think you meet some of these prerequisites, we still highly encourage you to apply. Many of us learn as we go! Depending on your needs, we can provide you with additional training and skills development.