New CVDoula Application


Chicago Volunteer Doulas is heading in a vibrant new direction! Using the basis of what this organization has done since 2007, we're working hard to live up to our promises to the community and you, Doulas.

This application is for those interested in applying to become a Full-Spectrum Doula Leader with Chicago Volunteer Doulas. To learn more about the program, read more here. By submitting this form, you express your commitment to the organization's mission, vision, and values. You are committing to completing the full cohort cycle of training if accepted. Finally, you willingly commit to a minimum 2-year period of independent contract work with Chicago Volunteer Doulas.

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Application Process for New and Returning Doulas:

Chicago Volunteer Doulas (CVD) is excited to introduce a revamped application process and training program. This initiative aims to align with Medicaid Reimbursement compliance and enhance our service quality for the families we support.

Procedure:

  • Complete this application and be on the look out for a screening interview.
  • Selected applicants will be contacted for an initial screening interview, then a final interview with our HR Manager and Programs Team.
  • Final communication and onboarding orientation details will be provided to those selected on a rolling basis.

Disqualification Factors:

  • Violent or fraud/theft convictions (Active, Pending, or Past).
  • Unwillingness to complete Full-Circle Cohort for Certification.
  • Reluctance to commit to at least 2 years of work with CVD.

Expectations from Doulas:

  • Commitment to the training program.
  • Participation in quarterly cohorts.
  • Willingness to work as a contract employee for a minimum of two years.
  • Flexibility in providing various support services.

OUR MISSION

Chicago Volunteer Doulas (CVD) connects pregnant and birthing people to free and low-cost compassionate labor, postpartum, and pregnancy loss support and information rooted in Black feminist wisdom and healing.

Led by principles of birth justice and anti-racism, CVD works to eliminate stigma, shame, fear, morbidity, and mortality among Black women and all those marginalized within pregnancy and birth care.

OUR VISION

CVD envisions a world where all pregnancy and postpartum experiences and outcomes are met with empathy and care, the labor of those who provide full-spectrum Doula support is recognized and celebrated, and everyone has the resources and autonomy they need for their lives, families, and communities to thrive.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Birth Justice: CVD believes that all people should have access to the prenatal, birthing, and postpartum resources they want and need to thrive, regardless of their identities, economic status, or insurance.
Anti-Racism: CVD centers the birthing, postpartum, and pregnancy loss experiences of Black and other people of color and works to unravel and heal centuries of racialized and gendered harm.
Margins-to-Center: CVD uplifts Black, disabled, trans and nonbinary, incarcerated, immigrant, poor and uninsured, young people and communities, and all others who are resource-denied within birth care and support.

ORG VALUES

Respect and Compassion: CVD works from the heart, starting with empathy and interrupting the stigma and shame surrounding birth, postpartum, abortion and pregnancy loss
Self-Determination: CVD honors the bodily autonomy of every person and recognizes the expertise that pregnant and birthing people have regarding their bodies and lives
Collaboration: CVD understands that partnership and interdependence with doulas and families are critical to positive birthing experiences and outcomes
Transparency: CVD practices clarity, communication, and accountability with ourselves and all of the doulas, individuals, and families with which we partner
Accessibility: CVD develops services that are free, multilingual, and disability-centered
Adaptability: CVD remains flexible, open, and curious while staying connected to a strong and grounded foundation

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Email *
Do you understand and agree with the mission, vision, principles and values detailed above? *
What is your full name? *
What is the best phone number to reach you? What is the best time to reach you? *
How did you hear about the 100 Doulas Rising Leadership Development Program? *
Have you worked for CVD previously? *
If yes, please tell us when, and the circumstances behind your exit. Write "N/A" if your previous response was "No". *
What is your street address. (Please include City, State, Zip Code) *
What is the best phone number, and time, to reach you? *
What are your preferred pronouns? *
Are you certified for Labor Support or Postpartum through the following entities? If so, which one? DONA International, CAPPA, Childbirth International (CBI), or the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
 *
Tell us why you have decided to become a Doula, and what your services would look like once you're certified?
 *
Will you commit to becoming DONA Certified through our offerings? *
Do you have any specialty training, i.e., Lactation Consultation, CPR (currently updated), Abortion/Loss Support, Placenta Encapsulation, Herbs for Pregnancy/Delivery, etc.?
 *
Do you offer any of the above services? If yes, please detail your offerings in the next section.
 *
If you offer any of the above services, please elaborate here.
How many Labor or Postpartum Support births have you attended?
 *
Birthwork Mentorship Experience
At Chicago Volunteer Doulas, we recognize that mentorship plays a vital role in growth and success as a birthworker. Understanding your past or current mentorship experience helps us identify how we can best support you during your training and beyond. Whether you’ve had guidance before or are seeking it now, this information allows us to connect you with resources that align with your needs.  
Have you ever had a mentor in your birthwork journey?  *
If yes, please describe your mentorship experience.
(For example: What type of guidance did you receive? How did this mentorship support your growth as a birthworker?) *
If you answered "No", what kind of mentorship do you feel would be most helpful to you as you pursue your birth and postpartum certifications?
Availability and Scheduling

Our Doula training program requires a significant time commitment for learning, practice, and participation. On average, trainees should expect to dedicate 6-10 hours per week to coursework, meetings, and related activities. Please answer the following questions to help us better understand your availability and ensure this aligns with your schedule.

Are you currently working a full-time job? *
Which training schedule would best suit your availability? (Select all that apply)   *
Required
Are you interested in becoming an Abortion/Loss Support Doula?
 *
Given the expected time commitment, what strategies do you plan to use to balance your current responsibilities with the training program's requirements? *
Commitment to Certification
At Chicago Volunteer Doulas, we are deeply committed to supporting doulas in becoming certified birth and postpartum professionals. To help us understand your dedication to this journey, please complete the following:  
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your commitment to completing your birth and postpartum doula certifications? (1 = Not Very Committed | 10 = Extremely Committed)   *
1 = Not Very Committed
10 = Extremely Committed
In a few sentences, please share what motivates you to pursue your certifications and how you plan to stay committed throughout the process. Consider any challenges you foresee and the steps you’ll take to overcome them. *
As a part of your commitment to the organization's mission, vision and principles, would you be willing to sign an agreement for your services with CVD for at least two years?
 *
Are you willing to train mentee Doulas during your time working with CVD?
 *
What would be the deciding factor for whether or not you would take on the task of mentorship? *
Have you ever found building a rapport with clients of other ethnicities difficult?
 *
How do you feel about supporting trans and gender non-conforming clients during their time of Labor and Postpartum service needs?
 *
Have you ever encountered discrimination or biased behavior in a hospital setting while providing support? If so, how did you respond
 *
Please enter any references we can contact or links to where we can find reviews about your services.
 *
What is your experience, if any, with breast/chestfeeding/lactation  support?
 *
Are you available for On-Call support?
 *
If you are a parent, did you have a Doula present during the birth? If so, please feel free to share your experience.
What is your stance on epidurals and pain medication?
 *
How would you handle unexpected situations that occur during a birth?
 *
Please tell us about a setback you’ve experienced in your life and career. What did you learn from it? Also, explain how you have leveraged what you’ve learned.
 *
Are you well-versed in HIPAA laws and how they affect birth service workers?
Clear selection
Please explain and note if you're certified, or if you aren't, please remark on your willingness to learn. *
In the last 7-10 years, have you been convicted of a violent crime? If so, please explain the charges.
 *
Have you been convicted of fraud crimes in the last 7-10 years? If so, please explain the charges.
 *
What self-improvement efforts have you undertaken? Feel free to share.
 *
Please explain what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you, and share your understanding of their role in the Doula workspace.
 *
Why choose CVD as the organization to train through and work with? *
Is there any additional information you'd like to share with the team? Anything you feel we should know when reviewing your application?
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