The Birth Network of Monterey County has always been an organization run by birth workers for the families we serve and our colleagues whom we value. As per the bylaws, we hold an annual meeting midyear when membership can vote on policies and board positions. The current leadership would like to postpone the election to November 2019, instead of holding it in June. By signing this petition you support holding the elections in June..

The current president, Mari Grijalva, was appointed by past president, Aimee Barrett, after Aimee’s 6 months of service in December 2018 when Aimee decided the responsibilities of her position were too much. Mari is a new member and aspiring doula with no experience in our field. Two additional past presidents have stepped up to support and advise Mari, as we all welcome and encourage newcomers, but over the last 6 months it has been made clear that support is unwelcome, and in the meantime members are not receiving the services they paid for. The bylaws state that to be eligible for president, one must serve two years on the board. Many of the critical errors being made are likely from lack of experience and understanding of how the Birth Network is run. We have exhausted all other diplomatic options and at this point are only asking for an election.

In the wake of the turmoil in the Network the past 12 months, past President, Cori Gentry, has decided to run for President. Because she knows members have not been receiving services for some time, she would like to offer a 6 month extension on everyone’s membership, and bring back many of the educational events and marketing opportunities that have been discontinued in the last year.

Signing this petition is not a pledge of support for any particular candidate, it is simply supporting holding the election as opposed to postponing it, so that membership can once again be an active part of running this organization.