
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
DONA International’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee has embarked on a journey of exploring the many facets of being intercultural with the goal of amplifying all doulas and the families they serve worldwide. We feel strongly that we all have a great deal to learn. With great expectation, we seek to bring forth programs and opportunities that will enrich our doulas and the communities they serve. Cultural, racial, ethnic and ability diversity along with understanding is a necessity as we look to achieve birth equity.
Join us as our four committees working toward health and birth equity:
- LGBTQIA+ team,
- Black Mother-Baby team,
- Accessibility team, and
- Military team
The I.M.P.A.C.T. Program is complete financial assistance, educational and mentoring support for a person seeking to become a doula with DONA International. The I.M.P.A.C.T. Program covers the costs of one DONA Approved doula workshop, certification process (fees & books), and membership fee for one year.
The 2020 I.M.P.A.C.T open applications concluded on October 31, 2020. Thank you for all who applied!
DONA International is committed to developing an organization that fosters anti-racism and cultural sensitivity for our members & the families and communities that we serve. To contribute to the many efforts to eradicate the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. we recognize an immediate need to helping to diversify the doula profession. We aim to make an I.M.P.A.C.T. which stands for:
Improving
Maternal health
Practices &
Advocacy through
Certification &
Training
Each selected person will receive fee waivers along with monthly mentoring support through a piloted candidate certification program from DONA International. The commitment by the selected person is the completion of the certification process within one year. \
More information and links can be found at: https://www.dona.org/i-m-p-a-c-t-program/

Taiwo Ajao
Black Mother-Baby Team Chairperson




Black Mother-Baby resources for you to explore:
DONA International’s Statement on Anti-Racism and Strategies for DONA Members
Articles:
- Evidence-based birth article on Racial Disparities
- Supporting the Physical and Mental Health of New and Expectant Black Mothers
Videos:
- Risk Factor with ROOTT (Jessica Roach)
- the AMERICAN dream with Jennie Joseph (midwife)
- Midwives Saving Black Lives | More in Common
- Race, Gender + Gynecology with Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens
- When Doulas Use Equity as The Secret Sauce, You Have a Recipe for Life with Natalie Burke
Self-Assessments/Test:
Toolkit:
LGBTQIA+ resources for you to explore:
VIDEOS:
GUIDES:
Abilities resources for you to explore:
VIDEOS:
- Crip Camp (on Netflix)
BOOKS:

