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Affiliate Support and Development

Under the ACNM Bylaws approved by members in 2008 each state, territory, or federal district will have a geographically defined organization, which will be the official affiliate organization to the ACNM.

The purpose of affiliates is to allow for effective state-level initiatives, including educational programs, legislations and regulations favorable to midwifery practice, networking events, public relations campaigns, and other initiatives.  Each affiliate will set its own priorities, so long as these are consistent with ACNM national positions and policies.

The development of affiliates offers new opportunities to improve the way ACNM members work together within states, between states, and with the ACNM national organization.

This webpage is designed to provide you with all the information and resources you need to form a state affiliate.  Templates, samples, frequently asked questions and other tools developed to simplify the process are all available here.  Can't find what you're looking for?  Contact Kathy Przybylski at the ACNM National Office at kprzybylski@acnm.org or 240-485-1811.

Late 2010-Early 2011 Update: Need More Time to Complete the Affiliate Application? 

Chapter chairs can submit an official letter of intent to ACNM stating that they are still working on affiliation, when they hope to complete it, and whether they want ACNM to start collecting dues on their behalf. These states will be called “affiliate candidates” until they complete the affiliation process.  Any dues collected on behalf of affiliate candidates will be held in reserve and remitted to them in full upon approval.  ACNM will continue to work with all states to help them complete the process as quickly as possible. If chapter leaders do not step forward with a letter of intent, ACNM will communicate with other ACNM members in that state to determine a strategy for moving forward. Need help?  Contact ACNM National Office Affiliate Consultant Patricia Barreiro at 240-485-1859 or pbarreir@acnm.org or Bylaws Committee Chair Lynne Himmelreich (Lynne-himmelreich@uiowa.edu ).

About Liability Insurance

ACNM is pleased to announce, that Comprehensive General Liability (CGL) insurance coverage is provided to all ACNM affiliates, at no cost through The National Organization’s policy with The Hartford Insurance Company. Our Hartford policy meets the needs of our both our Affiliates and the National Organization. As each new affiliate is approved, ACNM’s national office will submit the affiliate name and federal tax ID number to ACNM's insurance broker, Lyceum Insurance Services, and the affiliate will be automatically covered under ACNM’s national policy. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact ACNM's insurance representative, Althea Jacques-Ireland aireland@lyceum.com or 240-252-2035.

Resources and Sample Documents

• State Affiliate QuickInfo
• Affiliate Application Process
• Affiliate Development and Support Background Information
• Sample Affiliate Agreement (updated February 2012)
  • Appendix to Affiliate Agreement: Affiliate Policy Waiver form (updated July 2011)
• Sample Articles of Incorporation
• Sample Articles of Incorporation template
• Sample Bylaws for States with Multiple Chapters
• Bylaws template for States with Multiple Chapters
• Sample Bylaws for States with a Single Chapter
• Bylaws template for States with a Single Chapter

Sample Governance Policies

Beginning in 2008, the IRS form 990 (the non-profit tax return) requires non-profit organizations to report whether certain written policies and documentation is in place.  ACNM recommends that all state affiliates adopt policies to address this section of the 990.   The following policies have been adopted by the ACNM national organization and are provided as model documents for state affiliates:

• Authorized Spokespersons Policy
• Confidentiality Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Document Retention Policy
• Gift Acceptance Policy
• Intellectual Property Policy
• Whistleblower Protection Policy
• Policy Acknowledgement Form (This is a form you will use to demonstrate that affiliate officers are aware of the governance policies and agree to abide by them. ACNM national does not need a signed copy of this form but each affiliate should incorporate the review of policies and signing of this acknowledgement form into the orientation of new affiliate officers.
• Leadership Guidelines of Ethical Conduct. (Again, affiliates do not need to provide a signed copy to ACNM national as part of the affiliate application; it should be part of the officer orientation process.)

Helpful State Websites

This document provides a comprehensive listing of links for affiliates to obtain a tax I.D.and to file for incorporation in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

ACNM Presentations

These presentations provide an overview of key concepts related to affiliate governance and may be modified and used by state leaders.

• Nonprofit Board Responsibilities

• Affiliate Governance