24/09/2021
PALS BOD Public Announcement
Over the last three months, the interim executive committee worked with PALS Doulas and our BIPOC advisory committee with the following original focuses (as released on May 8, 2021):
Pare down and solidify PALS core function: Offering an accessible, equitable certification that increases doulas’ ability to access hospital work environments and future private and State reimbursement.
Every time we make a decision and before we act, we ask, “is this anti-racist”? We have recently clarified our specific position on the place of doula certification within the work of anti-racism and PALS Doulas’ ongoing work in that arena and have made that statement front and center on our website.
The PALS Doulas leadership recognizes that we have an extraordinary opportunity to dramatically shift the culture and energy of this organization and position PALS Doulas as a functional, tight organization ready for the next wave of leadership.
Our hope is that much of our next Board of Directors will come from our BIPOC community. We endeavor to make PALS Doulas a safe organization that is worthy of your time and talent.
During three months of intense work and conversations, it became clear that not all of these things are possible given the white-led foundation and history of the organization. Because of some major concerns (below), the PALS Board of Directors is announcing the dissolution of PALS Doulas effective 12/31/2021.
Three major concerns guided the Board of Directors decision:
One: While three deeply committed individuals stepped forward to take on executive committee positions, the two greatest logistical functions of PALS Doulas, Director of Finance (Treasurer) and Director of Certification remained unfilled. It is legally impossible for a 501 C(6) organization to function without a treasurer. Further, the primary function of PALS Doulas is certifying doulas. Without a Director of Certification to oversee that function, it is impossible to continue the operations of this organization.
Two: PALS Doulas has been struggling with its organizational structure and culture for a number of years. This unsustainable model, which may have worked 30 years ago, is no longer workable and this organization has run its course.
Three: The past harm caused by PALS Doulas cannot be overcome within our community despite the reimagining of our Guiding Principles and reshaping of our certification process. The board asked ourselves not how to create the most benefit, but how to prevent the most harm. PALS is not representative of the birth community. The funds, people power and energy put into this organization can do better and more progressive work with other organizations.
In the coming weeks, PALS current Board of Directors will resolve any outstanding debts, distribute our remaining funds to local non-profits according to our by-laws, and will communicate all necessary steps with our currently certified doulas as well as doulas who are in the process of certifying.
We understand this announcement may bring up many emotions, concerns and questions. We welcome your connection at [email protected].
Sincerely,
PALS Doulas Board of Directors
