Our Top Tips for Networking as a Valued-Based Doula
One of our core BADT values is community. Our values state: We know that it is impossible to effectively and sustainably engage in full spectrum birthwork in the absence of community. Within our network of students and teachers, we aim to generate and support meaningful connections. As an organization, instead of engaging in competition, we seek to collaborate with other aligned leaders in the field.
If you’ve been around for a while, you know that we spend a great deal of time and care creating containers in which community can grow and thrive. If you’re new here, welcome; we are excited for you to contribute to our mission!
In this blog we are inviting our fellow birth workers to explore values-based ways of networking and building community. This is long-term, ongoing work that will continue to grow and transform over time. In other words, take your time with this work. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you certainly don’t have to do all the things. In fact, you can’t-- beware of burnout!. Start with what feels accessible and most like you. As you are ready, invite yourself to stretch.
Ideas for Networking
The term networking can feel a bit icky given the predatory, capitalist nature of many “traditional” networking spaces. Here, we are offering a range of ideas for authentically connecting with folks, as you build your network of colleagues, referral sources, and community. Again, take what resonates, leave the rest, and add new ideas as you think of them.
Join virtual birth work spaces with folks who have shared identities, interests, or values. There are various virtual networks online that may speak to you. Search Facebook groups, ask other trusted doulas, and/or start your own if you see an unmet community need. There are queer doula groups, abortion support spaces, doula book clubs, etc.
Connect with local doula associations. There may be an organized group of doulas in your local area that you can connect with and meet other folks who serve in your area. It can be great to meet doulas whose work is similar to yours, as well as different, such that you can make appropriate and vetted referrals.
Build accountability partnerships with folks you meet in trainings. Shout out to king yaa for encouraging this in their Birthing Beyond the Binary course! Also, see how BADT student Breyana Floyd put this into action in this guest blog. The idea here is that you and a peer (or small group of peers) can support one another in learning and processing new content and service-based experiences.
Ask other birth and reproductive professionals to coffee. Spend time connecting with people IRL or virtually. Learn about their practices, services, and their overall vibe and values. Expand your connections beyond other doulas. You might like to meet up with (and vet) midwives, lactation consultants, therapists, and so on.
Engage in community care. This can include asking for support while serving a client and processing after you’ve provided support. Check out Court Harris’ guest blog on this topic here.
Commit to continuing education. Doula work is not a one-and-done sort of thing. As you deepen your practice and understanding of reproductive justice, you’ll benefit from taking new and different courses. You may also start to develop a specific niche or interest under the full-spectrum umbrella, and continuing education courses will support you in developing your knowledge and tools. Check out BADT’s upcoming CE’s here!
In her article 4 Tips for Growing Your Doula Business, Jennifer Mayer speaks to the importance of connection with other birth workers and contributing to community. Check that piece out here!
Essential Elements of Community
The term community is one that is flexible and can be applied to a range of spaces. These essential elements may be applied differently depending on the nature of the community. Additionally, these ideas are just some of the elements that the BADT team have found helpful along our own journeys and as an organization.
Shared values. Connecting with folks who have shared core values can contribute to a strong foundation. This doesn’t mean that every value has to be identical (see next point), AND, where there is alignment, it does mean that certain core values can be held at the center of the collective work.
Diverse perspectives and voices. We don’t want to exist in an echo chamber, as we benefit from learning from people who have different perspectives from our own.
Collaboration. In order for a space to truly function as a community, people in the space want to feel heard and seen and a part of what is happening. Mutuality is a key component to folks feeling invested in the community’s work.
Systems of support. This can take the form of regular meeting times, community norms, and so on. One of the reasons we choose to share space is because we want to give and receive support to/from one another, and specific containers and expectations can support this process.
Accountability processes. In shared spaces, harm will happen. It’s important that communities have a process for repairing harm and holding all members accountable to bettering the space. Check out “Pod Mapping,” a practice created by the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective in 2014 and this post for ideas on getting started.
Join the BADT Community
Sign up for our email list so you’ll be first to hear about new courses, open enrollment periods, and scholarship opportunities. We would be honored for you to join and contribute to the growing BADT community-- join us in class!