2013 Birth Matters Richmond Open Community Meeting minutes February 9, 2013

1. Welcome: a. Chapter Director and Co-Director: Abby Dini and Jacqueline Sears b. Newly revised Birth Matters Virginia mission, vision (see below) 2. Birth Matters Virginia is restructuring a. As a local chapter we are also restructuring b. In the past, Birth Matters has developed and sponsored events: Meet the doulas Pregnancy 101 Meet the midwives Birth Talk c. Primary Goal this year: To better represent and serve Richmond families through the development of tailored content and by strategically hosting events in new locations 3. Ice Breakers a. Ice Breaker I: Get to know your neighbor, share with the group two things you learned b. Ice Breaker II: Gather in groups of four, consider the Birth Matters mission and vision, and answer the following: i. If Birth Matters could be or do anything your heart desires for the Richmond Birth Community, what might that look like? ii. Are you aware of any specific gaps in need that BM can fill? (Information gaps, education gaps, community members not seeing how they fit into the organization, etc.) iii. Are there particular activities or events that you would like to see BM include in the 2013 Strategic plan? 1. Continue delivering Meet the Midwives and Pregnancy 101; continue to host in Carytown but expand reach to other areas; utilize the health department as a channel to market and hold events throughout the city and surrounding areas (focus on breastfeeding, consumer rights, informed choice); consider alternative locations in which to host events including libraries, churches, moms groups, local universities and student health services; expand programs to include all women in the childbearing years, target communities with poorer maternal and child health outcomes; utilize physicians as a marketing channel; identify physician allies; diversify Birth Matters leadership and team members in order to communicate the right messages to the right audiences in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way (improve

uptake of our message); improve clarity and reach of our message through the development of concise evidencebased materials (hardcopy handouts and materials); consider ways to improve our current use of social media (twitter, facebook, blog); consider ways that Birth Matters can support community efforts around this topic by distributing funds to other relevant orgs and events; raise community awareness for birth matters events and message; survey existing community resources to define our strengths as an organization; develop a speakers bureau and speakers notes on key topics. 4. Questions? 5. Next Steps a. Next month we will hold a closed meeting for those interested in committing to the organization for the upcoming year. A wine social will serve to facilitate introductions and determine where your interests and availability fit best with the activities that well be working on this year. Mission: To improve birth outcomes and lower social and economic costs through access to education, dissemination of evidence, and the sharing of personal narrative. Vision: We envision pregnant women of all ethnicities and backgrounds having access to high-quality, affordable, patient-centered care, from providers with whom they have developed a strong, trusting relationship, in a setting that supports their individual journey. We see women receiving a level of education that allows them to make informed decisions for themselves and their babies, and the opportunity to explore community resources that will empower them. We believe birth is a transformative experience and strive to help families create a positive emotional outcome.