Sample Trainings

Embodied Herstories: Race and Reproduction in the US- Root Causes of Reproductive Health Inequities

This two-day workshop critically examines the US history of reproductive health for different racial/ethnic communities using a Popular Education methodology and a documented historical analysis and framework. Participants will develop a shared language and analysis of the history of reproductive healthcare in the US. This history will include the “untold” stories of many communities, beginning with colonization and slavery. The process will define institutional racism and identify how it impacts the state of reproductive health in the US, past and present. The workshop will examine the issues of differential access, individual “choices” and public policies related to physical health and autonomy. The course develops a historical timeline of policies and practices leading directly to current racial health inequities. The workshop concludes with facilitators and participants identifying how to apply this analysis to inform the work of their organizations.

The workshop format includes large group presentation, small group work with individual worksheets and assignments, as well as a slide show of impactful historical dates and images. It also includes a presentation of a virtual and physical gallery depicting a historical timeline spanning 500 years of US reproductive health history. Throughout the two days there are interactive exercises where participants critically engage with the materials presented. All participants will also receive an updated bibliography on the topics covered. Each training will include community experts with lived experience who are compensated with honoraria to attend the workshops and contribute to the learning process.

Course Learner Objectives:

Develop a shared historical understanding of how we arrived at the current perinatal health outcomes
Develop shared language, concepts and intersectional analysis of our current social reality in the US
Define institutional racism and identify how it impacts the state of pregnancy and birthing in the US, past and present
Increase awareness of how historical and current cultural conditions, policies, and practices link to social inequities which link to health inequities
Create an open environment where participants can reflect on how a structural and historical analysis is currently integrated into the priorities and work of their organization
Develop a “tool belt” of Equity Competencies and identify possible next steps for participants to incorporate these competencies into the work of their organization

Health Equity Course: Health Disparities in the US- Root Causes and Historical Analysis

The course format includes large group presentation, small group work with individual worksheets and assignments, as well as a slide show of impactful historical dates and images. It also includes a presentation of a virtual and physical gallery depicting a historical timeline spanning 500 years of US health history. Throughout the two days there are interactive exercises where participants critically engage with the materials presented. All participants will also receive an updated bibliography on the topics covered. Each training will include community experts with lived experience who are compensated with honoraria to attend the course and contribute to the learning process.

Course Learner Objectives:

Identify the underlying social, economic and political conditions that disproportionately privilege some groups while disadvantaging others
Identify how institutional racism impacts local residents, especially in relation to health outcomes
Create an open environment where participants can discuss concerns about and ideas for addressing systemic inequities and the impact on the local community
Create an open environment where participants can reflect on how Health Equity is currently integrated into the priorities and work of their organization
Increase awareness of how historical and current cultural conditions, policies, and practices link to social inequities which link to health inequities
Identify possible next steps to incorporate these concepts into the work of the workshop participants

Maternal Justice Model two-day workshop: Deep Dive Into Strategies 4 Social Change

This training is the sequel to the Embodied Herstories workshop. Completing Embodied Herstories will set the foundation with a clear historical and structural analysis of the root causes of current perinatal health inequities. The Maternal Justice Model training then provides participants with a shared understanding of the range of Strategies for Making Social Change including social services, advocacy, activism, and organizing. This training will include skills development in the areas of: Community Organizing, Base Building, Leadership Development, including sections to collectively develop Organizing Fuel, and Visions for Liberation.

Testimonials

Betsy McNamara Transforming Birth Fund

Shannon Anton CPM, LM, National Midwifery Institute Co-Founder, Program Co-Director and Administrator

“This two-day training presents an exciting opportunity for leaders in the midwifery movement to deepen their understanding and analysis of the racial disparities experienced by consumers of the US maternity care system.”

Shannon Anton CPM, LM, National Midwifery Institute Co-Founder, Program Co-Director and Administrator

“Embodied Herstories offered me a rare opportunity to experience safe exploration and to be more fully engaged with reproductive justice and antiracism. Each segment of the weekend provided thoughtful privacy combined with steady and informed interactive process. My own pace of natural curiosity was supported as layers of shifting perspective revealed new concepts. Leading by example through kindness and nonjudgmental interaction, the Embodied Herstories facilitators created the spaciousness and presented the raw materials for me to expand my own understanding. Embodied Herstories provided a personal experience that continues to inform and motivate my work as a midwife and midwifery educator."

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Sample Trainings

Embodied Herstories: Race and Reproduction in the US- Root Causes of Reproductive Health Inequities

Health Equity Course: Health Disparities in the US- Root Causes and Historical Analysis

Maternal Justice Model two-day workshop: Deep Dive Into Strategies 4 Social Change

Testimonials

Betsy McNamara Transforming Birth Fund

Shannon Anton CPM, LM, National Midwifery Institute Co-Founder, Program Co-Director and Administrator

Shannon Anton CPM, LM, National Midwifery Institute Co-Founder, Program Co-Director and Administrator

Shannon Anton CPM, LM, National Midwifery Institute Co-Founder, Program Co-Director and Administrator

Shannon Anton CPM, LM, National Midwifery Institute Co-Founder, Program Co-Director and Administrator

Shannon Anton CPM, LM, National Midwifery Institute Co-Founder, Program Co-Director and Administrator

Easy and welcoming despite the virtual experience. Having many pairings and breakouts helped me get to know other workshop attendees and their lived experiences.

I was very impressed with the interactive quality of the workshop and how easy it was to stay engaged, especially with such heavy content, for so long each day.

Thanks for incorporating and facilitating that we care for ourselves during this training given some of the heaviness of the topics.

My big take-aways that were new to me or shed light in a different way for me in this training were the concept of Popular Education, the Allostatic Load, Oppression vs. Discrimination, and the deep discussion about Charity vs Solidarity. Wow! To all of this! Thank you for teaching me so much.

It provided a lot of opportunities for self reflection and for great questions and ideas to show up. This training sparked my imagination and ability to visualize how we can create change!