Organizer & Research Associate, Association of Independent Midwives of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

Organizer & Research Associate

Posted on: June 5, 2013
Posted by: Association of Independent Midwives of Maryland

DESCRIPTION

Maryland is currently one of 7 states where home birth midwives are illegal, a limitation that poses a severe threat to women's reproductive choices in Maryland. This fundamental imposition on birth autonomy removes women's most basic right to decide how, where and with whom she will birth her baby. Our effort is to put that choice back in women's hands by licensing Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in Maryland. This summer, the Association of Independent Midwives of Maryland will be launching a state-wide campaign to build support for legislation to license CPMs. We are seeking a motivated, activist, feminist intern who will be fired up about making change for women in Maryland. Our ideal candidate will be somewhat familiar with the midwifery model of care and the radical shift it represents from traditional medical obstetric care. She/he will be passionate about protecting a woman's fundamental right to make choices about her body and her birth.

Specifically our intern will work with the legislative team of AIMM to:

• Mobilize constituents in a state-wide lobbying campaign for licensing midwives in Maryland
• Provide administrative support and research assistance to the legislative team of AIMM
• Help build a broad Maryland coalition to support access to midwives
• Help develop legislation for the coming session to legalize CPMs

DETAILS

We are looking for a 20-hour/week commitment. Hours can be worked flexibly. Ideally early June through late August with flexibility for some travel time off.

• We would prefer an intern in the Baltimore/DC metro area. Our intern will largely work remotely (needs phone and internet access), on occasion meeting with midwives in cafes or homes. Access to transportation would be a plus.
• We can offer a $250/month stipend.
• This is an incredible opportunity to engage in the political/legislative process directly and make meaningful change in Maryland. The home birth midwives of Maryland with whom the intern will be working are a warm and loving bunch who will give back with whole-hearted, earnest support for an intern who commits her/himself to this important cause.

SKILLS

Ideal for a graduate student or law student, top undergrads with tons of passion will be considered.

• Strong research skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Intern will be interacting with legislators, public health regulators, non-profit coalition partners and home birth families including folks from extreme left and right political positions, Mennonite/Amish and other fundamentalist religious communities and everything in between. S/he must be comfortable in all settings.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office and other basic computer skills
• Problem-solving, action-oriented qualities
• Experience in some of the following areas is a plus: organizing, reproductive rights, campaign/legislative processes, coalition-building, law/legal issues.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to us at info@aimmmidwives.org. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.