Organizational Engagement: One State's Experience With Invigorating Affiliate Membership and Building a Sustainable Fundraising Model

Abstract

Over the last 6 years, the Pennsylvania Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives has worked to meet the needs of its diverse membership and increase the capacity of the affiliate board by taking a series of strategic steps. This article details the key components of this journey, which has culminated in a successful annual conference with over $118,000 in net revenue to help meet affiliate goals, including pursuing midwifery modernization legislation for Pennsylvania and an increase in our affiliate membership by almost 100 individuals. The annual conference, Midwifery Forward, which completed its fifth year in 2023, has also given our community of midwives a yearly reason to gather and reconnect, celebrate accomplishments, welcome new graduates, and make plans for the year ahead. The goal of this article is to share the specifics of our strategic planning, so that other affiliates and organizations may benefit as they develop strategic plans in the larger effort to increase membership and engagement and generate sustainable income for their midwifery organizations.