Seed Member Program

The Seed Member Program is a 12-week leadership and professional development experience designed to support Doulas who are committed to strengthening the Texas birth workforce through collaboration, learning, and community. Selected participants will engage in mentorship, professional development, networking, feedback opportunities, and program activities that help shape the future of TDA.

why?

  • To intentionally create a space where Doulas can connect, learn from one another, share regional perspectives, and help build what comes next for TDA and the communities we serve.

  • This membership exists as maternal health organizations and Doulas in Texas continue to face even greater threats and challenges to connections, sustainability and support.

  • This work needs community to keep hope going. To help us support one another. To celebrate one another. This shouldn't be solitary work.

  • While some areas of Texas have stronger access to advocacy conversations and professional networks, many Doulas working in rural communities, cities, and underserved regions have fewer opportunities to connect, share experiences, and help shape the conversations affecting their work.

  • TDA believes every Texas Doula deserves a voice in the future of this profession, regardless of where they live or practice.

who?

This experience is for Doulas who:

  • Believe our profession is stronger when we learn from one another;

  • Want to help shape the future of TDA and the Doula community in Texas;

  • Excited to share ideas, resources, and experiences that support other Doulas;

  • Are curious, collaborative, and open to learning from other Doula perspectives across Texas;

  • Value respectful dialogue, accountability, and professional camaraderie; and,

  • Want to help create a stronger, more connected profession for the Doulas who come after them.

Whether you're serving families in a large city, a small town, or a rural community, your experiences matter. We're intentionally seeking diverse perspectives from across Texas because every community has something to teach, and every Doula deserves a voice in shaping the future of our profession. For the Seed Membership Program, participation is limited to the first 20 Doulas that qualify so TDA can learn, build, and refine the experience before opening up greater membership opportunities to the greater Texas Doula community. 

BENEFITS

Influence: Direct input into shaping TDA membership offerings

Community: Trusted, invite-only network of Texas Doulas

Professional Affiliation: Include Seed Membership in prof. affiliations

Early Access: Emerging resources and leadership roles

Advocacy Support: Participate in conversations shaping Doulas across Texas

Recognition: Honor at future TDA events and milestones

Visibility: Access to opportunities for interviews, storytelling and media engagement

Continued Education: Complimentary opportunities

seed member expectations

Seed Membership is designed to be a collaborative experience. Since your feedback will help shape the future of TDA membership, we ask Seed Members to actively engage throughout the 12-week experience. As a Seed Member, you'll be asked to:

  • Participate in the Seed Member onboarding;

  • Engage in the private Slack community throughout the 12-week experience;

  • Participate in conversations, discussions, and occasional feedback opportunities;

  • Complete brief surveys that help TDA learn what's working and where we can improve;

  • Treat fellow members with professionalism, respect, and curiosity;

  • Uphold TDA's Community Values and Guidelines (more here); and,

  • Facilitate a welcoming environment where every member feels heard and respected.

We understand life happens. Seed Membership isn't about perfect attendance—it's about showing up with a genuine willingness to contribute, learn, and build alongside one another.

InveSTMENT

If accepted, Seed Membership is $100 for your first year of membership (less than $9 per month when spread across the year).

Payment is only required after acceptance into the Seed Member Program. There is no cost to apply below. If selected as a Seed Member, your annual membership includes:

  • Participation in TDA’s 12-week Seed Member Program experience;

  • Background check

  • Complimentary transition into 50% off a TDA membership at the level of your choice for 2027

  • Opportunities to shape the future of TDA membership and community resources

Additional details about the experience will be shared with accepted applicants. 

Building trust

The Seed Membership is unique, TDA is commitment to creating a respectful, trusted professional community. As Seed Members will spend 12 weeks learning, collaborating, and helping shape the future of TDA, accepted applicants are asked to complete a background check before joining.

The purpose of the background check is not to exclude people based on minor offenses or unrelated life circumstances. Rather, supports TDA upholding a community space where members can engage with confidence and trust.

Background checks are just one part of TDA’s overall review process and are considered alongside values, references, and your commitment to fostering a respectful professional environment.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for TDA’s inaugural Seed Member Program experience open July 13 and close July 20, 2026

If you believe Seed Membership is the right fit for you, TDA welcomes the chance to learn more about you and your vision for the future of the Doula community in Texas.

Before Applying, Please Have the Following Ready:

  • Your professional and contact information

  • Information about your doula work, including the type of doula support you provide and your current stage of practice

  • A reflection on your doula journey, including what brought you to this work and how your experiences have shaped the way you support families

  • A brief response about why you are interested in participating in the Seed Member Experience

  • Your thoughts on community, collaboration, and the topics you would like to explore with other Seed Members

You will also need (separate form):

  • One client reference

  • One professional reference (such as another doula, midwife, physician, nurse, therapist, or other healthcare professional)

Step 1: Complete your application using the link below

Apply for Seed Membership Program

Step 2: Share the recommendation form. After submitting your application, send the recommendation form to your references so they can complete it on your behalf.

Sharable Recommendation Form

We recommend letting your references know that you will be sending a recommendation request as soon as possible to allow enough time for completion before the application deadline.

Applications will be considered complete once all required materials have been received.

Applications close July 20, 2026.

Accepted applications will be notified by email in August. Onboarding will run the second and third weeks of August when Seed Membership kicks-off until the first week of November.

Payment is only required after acceptance.

**All incomplete applications will be added to TDA’s membership waitlist for future consideration**

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, you do not have to be trained. You do need to be an active, practicing Doula.

  • The only requirement is your participation. This isn’t a member program you join and ghost. Only 20 participants will be selected so its important that you know your capacity to participate.

  • The Seed Member Program is an experience that requires mutual respect and participation. TDA is building a sustainable membership-based community and to best do that community participation is vital.

  • If your Seed Member application is chosen, as a Seed Member you will be invited to Seed Conversations. These are structured reflections, feedback surveys and prompts to guide community members into deeper exploration. Surveys and discussions will help TDA further develop as an organization while also identifying patterns in financial structures, burnout experiences and support needs.

  • We value your experience and want Seed Membership to feel like a meaningful investment. If you decide within the first 7 days that the Seed Member experience isn't the right fit for you, TDA offers a full refund. This also allows us to offer your spot to a Doula on our waitlist. Please contact hello@txdoulas.org if you have any questions.

TDA was formed by passionate Doulas who believed our profession deserves protection, advocacy, and a collective voice strong enough to shape its future.