The International Cesarean Awareness Network is powered by the selfless efforts of our numerous volunteers. We cannot thank our dedicated volunteers enough for their cooperation and service in assisting ICAN with accomplishing its mission.
In an effort to acknowledge some of our amazing volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to offer support, education, and advocacy for the mothers in their area, the International Cesarean Awareness Network is pleased to announce Erin Flage as the November 2014 Volunteer of the Month.
Erin Flage is currently the chapter leader of ICAN of Northeast Iowa. During her time as a volunteer with this chapter, she has helped to increase the effectiveness of her chapter by implementing the use of technology to increase their reach. Additionally, she has helped with a number of local fundraisers and contributed to the recognition of the chapter by the governor of Iowa.
Get to know our November 2014 Volunteer of the Month:
How long have you been an ICAN member?
I have been an ICAN member since 2012.
How did you first find ICAN?
I first found ICAN online when I was planning a VBAC in 2008, but there was no local chapter. After my local chapter was started, I was encouraged to attend from a fellow mom.
What motivates you as a volunteer?
My biggest motivation as a volunteer is finding new ways to use my gifts and talents to help create positive change in the world.
Do you have a profession or any other passions outside of ICAN?
I work remotely for Kaplan University as an instructional designer building online courses and instructional multimedia. In addition to working with ICAN, I am also a long time member and State Vice President for the Iowa Junior Chamber, and serve on the state committee for Iowa Phi Beta Lambda, a business student organization for college students.
What was your proudest moment as an ICAN volunteer? What about your hardest?
I think my proudest moment was last April when we were delivering cookies to our local L&D units and prenatal clinics for Cesarean Awareness Month. As we were dropping off cookies at one of the local hospitals, the Assistant Nurse Manager proudly shared with us their primary cesarean rate (9%!) and informed us that it was the lowest in their hospital system. That encourages me that we are having an impact and that change is happening!
Thank you Erin for all that you do to support birthing women!
