International Cesarean Awareness Network

Hi all,

This is my first blog on the new and beautiful ICAN website (thank you web team). 

 As the VP, I am almost attached at the hip to Pam Udy our hard-working President.  An intrinsic part of my job is to support Pam’s daily efforts however possible - phone, IM, email - no job is too big or small. We haven’t figured out how to connect psychically yet unfortunately.  Myabe someday though…. 

As Pam stated in her blog, ICAN will be represented at 16 conferences this year as an exhibitor or speaker.  I work behind the scenes to find volunteers from within the ICAN family of CL’s, Board members, committee members, etc., prepare said volunteers and make sure everything gets done so they can show up, set-up and connect with others well. We want to reach as many women and professionals as possible.  Being in the public eye is vital to furthering the mission of ICAN.

As the Conference Chair, I also in the beginning phase of planning the ICAN 2009 Conference in Atlanta, GA.  Already the buzz is building.  Many have signed up for the conference committee and we are rolling through early decision making.  Time I have already spent working on the 2009 conference is well past 30 hours.  There will likely be a couple of thousand woman hours from many women into the planning of this next conference.  Currently we are working on a theme, then placing volunteers into Chair and Coordinator positions, all-call for speakers, and so on.

 I also work alongside several of the other Board members.  Our jobs are not cut and dry.   We need to reach out and overlap often.  This is a wonderful experience supporting and gaining support from others.  We are stronger as a whole than anyone individual. 

I am very proud to be a part of the ICAN Board.  These women have a deep passion for other women and families truly having birthing choices, for speaking the truth about VBAC, for making a difference in our community, country and beyond for healthy birth practices, and not giving up no matter what. 

You haven’t read the last of me! 

Until next time - go out and make a difference.  Our whispers will become a roar.

Desirre Andrews

2VBA2C, ICAN VP