Professional Association Strengthening Manual

In collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and others Health Professional Associations, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) developed this resource to support midwives and obstetricians in delivering high-quality, collaborative care. This resource is a reference for advancing interdisciplinary practice and improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

These modules are designed to fill a gap in materials useful to professional associations. They contain materials for strengthening the infrastructure of a professional association, enhancing its value to members, and increasing its effect within the health system and society.

Instead of a prescribed and linear training model, these modules offer a different approach to association strengthening. They offer content, examples, tools, and activities useful across the developmental spectrum of associations, from nascent to mature.

Where to Start

Begin with a conversation with the leadership of your professional association. Decide on your priorities and identify which modules you want to review. If you are a new association you may choose to use all of the modules to help you develop from the beginning. More mature associations may decide to focus on one or more areas for growth.

This modular approach:

• Focuses on association self-assessment and current goals
• Offers a range of topics that associations can explore for themselves
• Includes easy to use materials that don’t require professional facilitation or may be used with a facilitator