One Year Look Back: The Abrupt Dismissal from DONA International's Board (recorded on April 11, 2023)

Doula That!

• The impact of leadership change on doula career and black maternal health. 0:09
• Ravae Sinclair reflects on the abrupt transition out of leadership with DONA International and its impact on her doula career and the Black maternal health crisis.
• Race and dysfunction in a doula organization. 1:30
• Denise Bolds shares her personal experience with disappointment and betrayal after a unanimous vote to prioritize black birth workers was ignored by some board members.
• Ravae Sinclair echoes Denise's shock and disbelief at the lack of follow-through on initiatives to uplift Black birth workers, despite unanimous support from the board.
• Ravae Sinclair felt relieved and liberated after leaving a dysfunctional organization, realizing the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of personal relationships.
• Denise Bolds experienced a harsh lesson on personal growth and relationships, recognizing the need to prioritize self-care and set boundaries in toxic situations.
• Organizational dysfunction and resistance to change. 6:41
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss their experiences in a dysfunctional organization, with Ravae realizing she's good at operating in dysfunction and Denise mentioning the importance of negating not just the board but also the management office.
• DONA's leadership faced criticism for prioritizing financial interests over cultural fit and diversity.
• Organization prioritizes white privilege over equity and change, despite harmful past actions.
• Diversity and inclusion in a non-profit organization. 12:17
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss experiences with racism and bias in DONA International, with Bolds sharing how the organization's leadership was resistant to change.
• Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and supporting marginalized groups within the organization.
• Denise Bolds was motivated to continue Ravae's work as leadership due to the benefits she received from the new web page and policies.
• Denise refused to fire Ravae despite board members' requests, leading to bullying and harassment.
• Race, power dynamics, and betrayal in a non-profit organization. 18:12
• Denise Bolds refused to comply with the board's request to terminate the community doula program, leading to her removal from the board.
• Ravae Sinclair questioned the board's decision to mix the termination of the contract with Denise's role on the board, feeling it was a separate issue.
• Ravae Sinclair expresses outrage at being removed from a board and not being paid for contract work, despite years of free labor, and accuses the organization of not valuing Black women.
• Sinclair questions the organization's credibility in providing training and workshops on black maternal health when they cannot honor their contract with a black woman.
• Race and leadership in a doula organization. 23:15
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discussed the challenges of implementing innovative ideas in a predominantly white organization, with Denise Bolds expressing frustration at the fear and intimidation they faced.
• The two women highlighted the importance of providing valuable member benefits, such as legal support and tech support, to enhance the lifestyle, work, and skills of paying members.
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss their dismissal from the board of DONA, with Bolds criticizing the lack of member involvement and Sinclair expressing frustration with the lack of accountability.
• Bolds and Sinclair argue that the organization is not member-led, with Bolds stating that she has yet to see what is better than her leading the group.
• Leadership and backstabbing in a non-profit organization. 28:15
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss lack of accountability and diversity in leadership positions within a group, with a focus on the election process and the selection of a new president who was not elected by members.
• Board members secretly planned to remove Ravae & Denise, while both of them were attending meetings and planning events for DONA.
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss a former leader's secret removal from power.
• Leadership structure and accountability in a nonprofit organization. 34:09
• Ravae Sinclair argues that the organization should have paid staff instead of relying on volunteers.
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of focusing on international issues within the organization, with Ravae highlighting the need for every person in every area to be responsible for international, rather than relying on one person to handle it.
• The board's decision to remove the international director was not about that person, but rather about the role itself and the need for more accountability and focus on international issues across the organization.
• Leadership and accountability in an international organization. 39:49
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the stagnation of DONA International, with Bolds citing a lack of effort from the organization's president and Sinclair suggesting that there may be behind-the-scenes progress.
• Members are frustrated with the lack of communication and explanation for the organization's dismissal of Ravae & Denise, with some still seeking a plausible explanation.
• Leaders dismissed and replaced, no additional member benefits or accountability.
• Personal growth and professional development after a challenging year. 44:12
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair have been working on various projects since leaving their previous situation, including training doulas and starting a new organization.
• They reflect on the intensity of the situation and the pressure they faced in DONA, but are grateful for the opportunity to continue their work and enjoy their lives.
• Ravae Sinclair shares her experience of being a leader during the pandemic, feeling dysregulated and overwhelmed, and taking time to regain health and figure out her destiny.
• Sinclair moved to a new city and had a chance to settle in and regain health, while also considering what she truly wants to do and what opportunities align with her passion.
• Betrayal and loyalty in a Black women's organization. 49:41
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair reflect on their past interactions and how they have grown closer over time.
• Denise Bolds shares her concerns about the dysfunction within DONA and how it has impacted marginalized communities.
• Ravae Sinclair shares her experience of betrayal by a fellow Black woman in the birth work community, which she found difficult to navigate due to loyalty and trust issues.
• Sinclair emphasizes the importance of trust in the face of betrayal, particularly in a community that was supposed to be a safe space for Black women.
• Ravae Sinclair reflects on a past partnership that ended in betrayal, acknowledging the difficulty of witnessing people try to figure out their roles in a shared space and the need to create separate spaces for growth.
• Ravae recognizes the importance of authenticity in her work, letting go of qualities that are not unique to her and focusing on her own healing and process.
• Race and representation in the doula industry. 57:24
• Denise Bolds shares her experience as a Black doula and activist, highlighting the importance of representation and the challenges of being a non-trainer in a predominantly white organization.
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the value of DONA certification and the need for Black doulas to be recognized and supported in the industry.
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss their experiences as Black doulas in the US, including facing discrimination and being undervalued in the industry.
• Ravae Sinclair shares how she chose to become a board member instead of a trainer to have a bigger impact on creating change in the doula community.
• Perinatal care and policy change. 1:01:32
• Ravae Sinclair launches National Birth & Postpartum Professionals to unite diverse professionals in creating policy change.
• Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of community support and resources for marginalized groups.
• Betrayal and resilience in the birth worker community. 1:05:35
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the release of Ravae's book and the gratitude Ravae feels for the support of her community, as well as the challenges and betrayals she has faced as a black doula.
• Ravae and Denise also discuss the toxicity and harm that can exist within the birth work community, including betrayal, scamming, and hurting others.
• Ravae Sinclair shares her personal experience with betrayal and how it led to growth and bonding with others in the birth worker community.
• Sinclair emphasizes the importance of authenticity and support in the face of adversity, citing the saying "What the devil meant for evil, God meant for good."
• Betrayal, resilience, and self-care in the workplace. 1:11:08
• Denise Bolds shares her experience of being betrayed by someone she considered a friend and how she chose to focus on her own healing and growth instead of dwelling on the past.
• Denise emphasizes the importance of women supporting and learning from each other, rather than tearing each other down, and how she has found valuable connections and learning opportunities through her doula practice.
• Denise Bolds shares her experience of feeling beaten down by the organization she worked for, despite creating intellectual property that they benefited from.
• Ravae Sinclair encourages Denise to embrace her strengths and build upon them, rather than hiding from the world.
• Denise Bolds emphasizes the importance of respect and inclusivity in leadership, rejecting pettiness and self-centeredness in favor of addressing larger issues and benefiting the entire organization.
• Ravae Sinclair shares her experience in navigating conflicts and finding ways to collaborate and grow, prioritizing member benefits, and rejecting discrimination and disrespect.
• Leadership, identity, and impact in the doula community. 1:18:52
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss their experiences in corporate America and their decision to pursue a career in doula work, with Denise highlighting her leadership and standing up for what is right, even against "nasty people and nasty things."
• Ravae Sinclair expresses gratitude for the growth and opportunity to use her skills for good, and both women are excited about the potential impact of their work in supporting black women and doulas.
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the limitations of the DONA International, including its lack of diversity and focus on funding for white trainer initiatives.
• Bolds and Sinclair believe that the organization's structure and priorities have led to missed opportunities for funding and impact, and they express frustration with the lack of inclusivity and representation.
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the evolution of black maternal health leaders and their flourishing since the "eruption" a year ago.
• Postpartum care and advocacy for black mothers. 1:25:43
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of empowering black women through VBAC and C section doula work, with a focus on systems change and advocacy.
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair advocate for improved postpartum care for Black and Brown mothers.

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How to find us:

Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections and natlbirthpostpartumpros

Denise Bolds @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

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