left to right: Ariana Reid, Leah Roberts, Erin Hayes, Clare Ryan, Erin Mander, Jaia Shanti, Heike Roth.
Interested in getting involved in your future profession before you graduate?
Keen to have a say in the direction of your education and the issues that concern student midwives whilst you study and work?
Passionate about a particular midwifery issue but unsure how to address it and become active?
Why not become a student member of the NSW Midwives Association and join the Student Subcommittee?
The Student Subcommittee is a newly formed committee within the NSWMA which aims to add a relevant student voice to issues of study, clinical practice, university life and the workplace where midwifery students are directly involved. The committee is open to ALL midwifery students enrolled in a course leading to initial midwifery registration across the state and who are members of the NSWMA (that is, graduate diplomas and Bachelor of Midwifery Students).
The subcommittee meets every 3 months to discuss our experiences and concerns, to devise new projects and to initiate student input and participation in areas of student interest. Our meetings take place at the NSWMA office in Ultimo, however members can participate via teleconference if geographical distances are an issue. We therefore accommodate all members. In between meetings the committee remains in contact via email to discuss ongoing project. Furthermore, we contribute regularly to midwifery publications such as Midwifery Matters.
Becoming a member of the NSWMA Student Subcommittee is a chance to get active, have a say and be heard. It is an opportunity to meet and work not only with your student peers from different universities but also with the executive leaders of the NSW midwifery community.
Some of the issues we raised in 2007 included:
• The planning and development of a student forum on the NSWMA website, where students can communicate with each other and seek information regarding the latest projects and activities.
• The need for student participation and organisation at the 2008 NSWMA Conference to be held in Coffs Harbour.
• Assistants in Midwifery (AIM) jobs, or paid practical placements for B.Mid students in senior years.
• Student-Midwife mentoring for continuity of learning and support.
This year, we need your help and fresh ideas so to expand upon our recent efforts and ensure all midwifery students (enrolled in courses leading to initial midwifery registration) continue to have a say and get involved. It is with your passion, assistance and innovation that student issues will become a talking point within the midwifery profession.
All offers of involvement are welcome!
Our mission statement:
“To provide a forum in which students can address issues in Midwifery specifically affecting students.
To strengthen the collective student voice of midwifery students at all stages of their training leading to registration.
To actively participate in the NSWMA and contribute to its future.
To promote continuation and evolution of midwifery education, as well as broadening opportunities for student midwives to experience Midwifery from all aspects (political, organisational, and educational).
To maintain the student sub-committee through active recruitment to new students in NSW.”
If you are a student you can obtain a combined NSWMA and ACM membership for ONLY AUD$50 per year.
So click here for more information and sign up TODAY!
If you would like to send any comments/suggestions to the student subcommittee please send an email to: student@nswmidwives.com.au
The NSWMA Student subcommittee