AABC Chapters Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
AABC Chapters FAQ
Why do we need state/regional chapters?
State/regional chapters give structure and strength to your state/region. Every state/region will have issues that arise and being able to effectively organize in your area is key to being able to address those issues at a more localized level.
National has always done this work, why now?
The birth center movement is growing rapidly! We are adding new birth centers all the time. We will continue to support you with state issues, but you know those issues best. We will also continue to work on national issues that benefit all birth centers equally.
How can I start one?
Check out the chapter application process section on the AABC website
Why should I start one?
You are the experts on birth centers, and when state legislatures try to pass laws without considering how those laws will affect birth centers bad things can happen. Being active at the state and national levels ensures that birth centers have a strong voice and continue to thrive.
We have a group formed already, why should we start an official chapter?
Remaining a loosely formed group means just that, it is a loose formation. Will people really help if something comes up? An official chapter shows strength at the local level. And simply put, creating an official chapter means you get the benefits and services of an official chapter. And when people belong to an organization, they do things to benefit each other. We become our sister’s keeper!
Why should I belong to a chapter?
At your state/regional chapter meetings is where you will decide how you will respond to issues at the state level. Are there physician supervision issues? Or Medicaid issues? Chapters are the place to share area expertise like what works in staffing, how to best code prenatal visits and ancillary services and programs that have brought in extra money and bettered your community. It is also the place to work out concerns like contracting with insurance companies, how to best handle chart reviews and what to do when there are just too many patients.
What if we need help becoming an effective chapter?
We want you to be as effective as you can be. So, if you need help with leadership issues, policy issues or running your chapter, contact the national AABC office and we will be more than willing to help. We will also have every other month group check-in calls to talk about how things are going.
Do the members of the state chapter have to belong to nationals? And how much will that cost?
Yes. We want to be able to give all members top notch service. Being a member shows that you are committed to what happens at both the state and national levels. Chapters will decide on their own dues based on what their needs are.
How does nationals help my chapter?
- We are committed to keeping a strong relationship with every chapter. Below is the list of things you can count on from AABC. Are there other services that you want? Contact Kate Bauer, Executive Director of AABC.
- Promotion of chapter membership in various ways.
- Membership renewal, collection and processing of dues.
- Remittance of a per Chapter Member rebate, for each enrolling or renewing Established Birth Center, Developing Birth Center, Institutional, Individual, Lifetime or Associate member.
- Promotion of chapter events in newsletter, on web site and social media site.
- Broadcast e-mails to chapter’s members to promote educational events.
- Support in developing and presenting education programs.
- Link from AABC website to any individual chapter web site and/or social media site.
- Annual chapter leadership event for chapter representatives to be held in conjunction with AABC Annual Convention. Chapter representatives attend at chapter’s or attendee’s expense, as determined by chapter Board of Directors.
- Liability insurance for Officers, Employee Theft and Dishonesty Coverage
- Chapter Leader’s Guide and Policy Manual reference tool for Chapter operations.
- Consultation on legislative issues and strategies.
- Project access on AABC project management system to share ideas, track progress on issues, effectively communicate with chapter members all over your state/region.
American Association of Birth Centers