Tanya Smith named ICAN Volunteer of the Month for July!

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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 Tanya Smith as the July 2016 Volunteer of the Month.

Tanya Smith, this month’s honoree, is a dedicated volunteer out of ICAN of Central Arkansas. Tanya is a tireless chapter leader who is involved in improving her community’s maternal health and helping women in her community!

Get to know our Volunteer of the Month:

How long have you been an ICAN member?

I have been a member of ICAN for about 7 years.
Tanya Smith VoM July 16
Meet Tanya Smith, our July ICAN Volunteer of the Month!

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How did you first find ICAN?

I found ICAN in 2004 through a friend that I met at La Leche League. We did not have a chapter in our city, but I was able to connect to ICAN through the Yahoo group. I found a wealth of information and a source of encouragement and support! I learned more about birth, birth options, asserting my rights and choices, and more. My friend and I both moved to different states and we are both Chapter Leaders now!
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What motivates you as a volunteer?

My motivation as a volunteer is simply to provide a space where women can be encouraged, supported, and informed. In the past, I have experienced burnout as a volunteer. It can be very difficult to feel motivated when experiencing burnout. I remind myself of my desire to provide and hold the space for women in my community. I cannot fix everything that is wrong in our community, but I can support women as they work toward healing. And whenever that happens, it erases burnout and refreshes my commitment to ICAN and the women we serve.
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Do you have a profession or any other passions outside of ICAN?

I have one profession and many passions! I have been homeschooling my children for over 7 years. This is my main job and it gives me a lot of flexibility to do the other things that I love. I am also a part-time college student. In 2013, I returned to school to finish my degree. I will graduate in Spring 2017! I am so excited to reach the end of this goal! Volunteer work is very important to me. In addition to ICAN, I am a Leader with La Leche League. I have been a Leader for over 10 years and I love supporting mothers and helping them reach their breastfeeding goals!
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What was your proudest moment as an ICAN volunteer? What about your hardest?

My proudest moment as an ICAN volunteer was my involvement with the 2011 ICAN Conference in St. Louis. I volunteered to be on the conference committee and was Exhibits Chair. There was a steep learning curve for me as Exhibits Chair was not my original job for the conference. It was a great learning experience and I was so proud to see a packed exhibit room during the conference! My most difficult experience as an ICAN volunteer was supporting a woman after infant loss. It is heart-wrenching and I had never felt so helpless.
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We appreciate you so much, Tanya! Thank you for all that you do to support birthing women!

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