Welcome to the National Birth Justice Fellowship

About the Fellowship 

The National Birth Justice Fellowship is a leadership program for local changemakers who are actively engaged in initiatives aimed at reducing health inequities and injustices experienced by birthing families, particularly among populations that have been historically marginalized. A central goal of the fellowship is for each fellow to make strides on an identified project that advances their birth justice work, allowing them to directly apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program. Fellows will also work collaboratively to co-create a resource to advance the field.

This 18-month leadership program is designed to increase opportunities for diverse grassroots and community leaders to build skills, capacity, and networks. The fellowship aims to promote culturally affirming, community-led solutions that advance birth equity and justice through policy change, community-based research, data storytelling, and narrative change that transforms systems of health, education, and care for birthing families.

Vital Village Networks will accept applications for Birth Justice Fellows from October 14, 2024 through November 22, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. 

Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee. Finalists will be invited to participate in a virtual interview in December 2024. Selected Community Food Systems Fellows will be announced in mid-December.

Who Should Apply:

• Non-profit leaders, social entrepreneurs, community organizers, educators, and practitioners working in fields that impact birth equity 
• Leaders from cross-sector organizations working in areas such as health, housing, and social services that impact birth justice.
• Community leaders, advocates, and grassroots organizers working to advance birth equity
• Birthworkers (doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, etc).

Selection Criteria

In reviewing Fellowship Applications, reviewers will consider the following selection criteria:

• History of civic service and birth justice work, with a focus on addressing structural racism and social injustices impacting BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQ+, communities and people with disabilities.
• Strong existing community partnerships supporting birth justice.
• Commitment to engage deeply in an intensive fellowship to advance an individual/organizational priority project and work with peers to co-create a resource for the field.
• Willingness to adopt new approaches and explore new frameworks that foster sustainable collective action for birth justice.
• Commitment to advancing community power to address birth equity.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Award Information

Up to 5 community leaders will be selected by December 2024 and invited to join the inaugural Fellowship cohort.

How to Apply

APPLY HERE

We invite you to submit your Fellowship Application online by selecting this APPLY HERE button above.

Learn more about the fellowship by reading the Request for Applications document and on the program webpage here.

Nominating a Fellow

If you know someone who may be a good fit for the fellowship? Nominate them today.  Please note, nominations are not required.

NOMINATE A FELLOW

If you have questions please contact birthingjustice@bmc.org