START A CHAPTER
Create a reliable resource and provide continuity of care for military families in your area.
Apply to start a Chapter with MBRNPC
Welcome to the Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition
We are pleased that you have considered becoming a chapter leader. Perhaps you're in an area where minimum support is available or in an area where there are numerous options for family support. Regardless of the available support, MBRNPC's mission is to support military families in all branches of the service, from one duty station to the next. Chapter Leaders will be provided with many resources to ensure a successful start of the Chapter.
As a chapter of the Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition, you have access to information for base establishment, advocacy, templates for putting together events, and much more.
Your packet will include:
Free membership of the person applying for the position while serving on the chapter board.
Your personal professional or business listing
Assigned your own chapter @mbrnpc.org email address.
Startup packet for your military base approval.
Q & A
Do I need to be a birth or postpartum doula to be a chapter leader?
No. Chapter leaders can come from any background as long as they are familiar with pregnancy, birth and postpartum. and want to help the community expand. They should have a heart to want to connect local resources for our military communities and be motivated to establish a network and facilitate events.
Can there be more than one leader in a location?
Yes. There are numerous large military bases. For example, the San Diego area, there would be the San Diego MBRNPC, Balboa Division, and/or Pendleton Division.
I don't have a military ID Card. Can I still become a leader?
No. At this time we are only opening chapters leader positions to those who have base access with an ID card.
Can you still join?
Absolutely! You can still sit on a Chapter Committee. Membership is available to those wanting participate and will be coordinated through your local chapter. The military member will be responsible for getting you on and off base for functions and other events.
Requirements
We believe that our families need continuity of care and resources available to them as they move from one duty station to the next. You are an integral part in helping this expand.
Steps to becoming a successful Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition Chapter:
Chapter leaders must have a current military ID card to be a chapter leader and base representative, this allows base access that is essential for the chapter. However, a member may serve on committees without having base access.
To establish a chapter on base you must obtain the required paperwork from your base legal office. MBRNPC will provide the necessary paperwork such as BiLaws, Constitution and Articles of Association when when required to operate a chapter on base.
Determine the paperwork required from the base legal office to establish a chapter on the base and the POC for MBRNPC to email this information to chapters@mbrnpc.org.
Chapter leaders must be willing to build healthy bridges in the community and with local hospitals and promote the mission, vision, and goals of MBRNPC
Chapter leaders do not need to be a practicing doula but must have the ability to connect local resources with military families and an understanding of labor, birth, and postpartum
Host and promote events such as birth talks, breastfeeding support groups, and other events as needed in your specific area (pertinent to your service area). MBRNPC will provide you startup packets and guide and assist each chapter with suggestions and information resources.
Engage in networking and events that build healthy bridges in the community and both base and civilian hospitals.
Sign a letter of commitment to further the mission and vision of MBRNPC in providing reliable resources for the military community. Families need continuity of care as they transition from one duty station to the next and MBRNPC chapters and chapter leaders are an integral part of this transition
Sign the non-compete clause and confidentiality statements for MBRNPC.
