DONA vent, sort of

tinamomof6 · 01-07-2007, 04:07 PM

I had an experience a few months ago that left a bad taste in my mouth about DONA. Basically, I got one of the e-newsletters from my region. In that newletter it stated that there were still openings for regional representatives. I thought, wow, I bet I could do that. So I e-mailed the director, as was stated I should. She quickly e-mailed me back saying yes, there was still an opening in my area and I was welcome to apply. I told her I could probably get all the paperwork in by the end of the week, she told me...it was fine by the end of the month and to e-mail her when I had the stuff together and she'd tell me where to send it.

So, off I go on my little venture to get my stuff together. Contact midwives and doulas for reference letters, write my letter of intent, write up a resume, etc. I was just waiting for one more reference letter and e-mailed the DONA regional representative again to ask for the specifics on where to send all my paperwork...this was only 4 days after my initial contact with her. She e-mails me back...saying, I feel I must tell you...the position has been (unexpectedly and quickly) filled. Maybe there's something else you'd like to do for DONA. Needless to say, I was pissed. I wrote her back and said how disappointed I was that I didn't even get to submit my paperwork, and asked her if she knew of any other positions I could apply for that were actually available. I know that was probably a bit snotty...but she wasted so much of my time, and the time of the midwives, doulas and other professionals that wrote me letters of reference and recommendation. Then I felt stupid when asked by the midwives and my colleagues how I made out with my application....um, they wouldn't let me apply it was already filled. Their jaws dropped and they all said it was DONA's loss. I was really hurt by the whole situation and even though it's not all of DONA....I can't help but have a bad taste in my mouth.

I never complained to the officers of DONA, didn't want to be a whiner or trouble maker...but then sometimes I think they should know how I was treated by their regional rep. and how she led me on and wasted my time and the time of other busy birthing professionals.

What do you all think?

RosyDoula · 01-07-2007, 04:32 PM

I don't think you're a whiner - I'd be mad too! It was probably just a mix-up, but that was not very professional of them to let you waste your time like that. Shame on DONA!

tlcdoula · 01-07-2007, 04:55 PM

That really stinks. I am so sorry to hear that happened to you.

DoulaRena · 01-07-2007, 05:37 PM

That does stink, it does take a huge committment to gather the information and to apply. Maybe your skills are a better fit for a different organization.
I have had similar experiences and have heard many of the same complaints.
Sorry you had to experience it. Something better may come along and you'll be glad that it turned out the way it did.

SydneyDoula · 01-07-2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

That does stink, it does take a huge committment to gather the information and to apply. Maybe your skills are a better fit for a different organization.

nocomparta · 01-07-2007, 05:57 PM

CAPPA is always interested...

1stimestar · 01-07-2007, 08:01 PM

Obviously I feel the need to chime in here. First off, I am so sorry you went through the trouble of getting so much of the paperwork together and feel you wasted time and energy. I KNOW it is frustrating. But...you had to know there would be a but in here right?...There may have been many reasons for what happened. I know a lot of people email and say they are interested but then they are never heard from again. Did you submit your letter of intent? Perhaps they already had someone in the process who only needed one more thing and it came in. Perhaps your Regional Director is needing a specific person's skills and was just waiting to see if that specific person would finish their paperwork. Perhaps she is going to quit herself and wanted to be sure that area was covered as soon as possible. Perhaps it was filled with a known person transferring from a different position. These are just a few reasons that I can think of off the top of my head. Also keep in mind that one person does not an organization make. DONA is made up of volunteers as varied as the women they represent. Good luck.

1stimestar · 01-07-2007, 08:07 PM

And the referrals wont go wasted. Put them in your information binder or puts quotes from them on your website.

tinamomof6 · 01-07-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

Obviously I feel the need to chime in here. First off, I am so sorry you went through the trouble of getting so much of the paperwork together and feel you wasted time and energy. I KNOW it is frustrating. But...you had to know there would be a but in here right?...There may have been many reasons for what happened. I know a lot of people email and say they are interested but then they are never heard from again. Did you submit your letter of intent? Perhaps they already had someone in the process who only needed one more thing and it came in. Perhaps your Regional Director is needing a specific person's skills and was just waiting to see if that specific person would finish their paperwork. Perhaps she is going to quit herself and wanted to be sure that area was covered as soon as possible. Perhaps it was filled with a known person transferring from a different position. These are just a few reasons that I can think of off the top of my head. Also keep in mind that one person does not an organization make. DONA is made up of volunteers as varied as the women they represent. Good luck.

I'm sure It was one of the reasons you stated, but not to mention anything to me, like we've almost made our decision, we've already got so many applications reviewed, we're waiting for paperwork from a few applicants, whatever...but nothing was stated at all to me. I specifically asked if it was too late to me to apply and I was assured the position was still open and to go for it. I didn't think I was a shoe in, but to be told it was too late only 4 days after I was told the position was still open it just really hit me hard. Like, wow...what a waste of time. Guess they didn't realize how hyper I am and how quickly I get paperwork done

But you're right about the references and recommendations...I got such glowing recommendations and they really warmed my heart to hear from colleagues that I respect and that have been in the business for years.....so that was the silver lining.

Thanks for the support ladies...I really do appreciate it.

Tina

Stacie · 01-07-2007, 09:07 PM

I love DONA in many ways. But here comes MY but! I noticed they were looking for an editor for the e-doula. I inquired and was sent a HUGE list of requirements (similar I am sure to what you received, Tina). I was overwhelmed. There was no doubt I could perform the job beautifully, and the position was open for a long time -- even extended.

A couple of days later I was asked to be the layout editor for our LLL's area leader newsletter (Northern California/Northern Nevada, and Hawaii). It felt good to tell DONA I was no longer interested in the position as I had been asked to do something else by my LLL Area.

I guess my point was, it seemed like they were expecting a lot for what they were offering, imnsho.

doula Michele · 01-08-2007, 08:24 AM

I have heard lots of stuff like that About DONA.

I am sure you would have been very good in the position.

But like you said, you got some great letters or referance. And who knows, maybe there is something better in your future!

Jilian · 01-08-2007, 11:14 AM

They should have at least waited until the closing date and considered all of the applicants. What they did was pretty unprofessional IMO. I'm sorry your feelings were hurt, I'd be a little annoyed too. I agree that it is a good idea to keep all the recs in a folder to be used at a later date.

syncreo · 01-08-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinamomof6

I never complained to the officers of DONA, didn't want to be a whiner or trouble maker...but then sometimes I think they should know how I was treated by their regional rep. and how she led me on and wasted my time and the time of other busy birthing professionals.

What do you all think?

HI,
I can understand why you are upset - I would probably be upset as well as I think it doesn't sound like very fair process. I also think it would be appropriate for you to let them know and to deal with it through DONA . I am going to try to say this gently, so please know that this is the spirit in which I intend this, but I don't think it is appropriate to post your complaint on a public forum that is a doula forum without making a complaint to the organization and giving them the chance to follow up and resolve it with you. That is just my opinion and of course you are free to do whatever you think is best.

I hope your letters of recommendation can be used for another worthwhile endeavour you pursue.

Jilian · 01-08-2007, 02:31 PM

I agree that you should complain to DONA directly and give them a chance to address the situation. At the very least, maybe it won't happen again.

tinamomof6 · 01-08-2007, 03:10 PM

I think I will contact DONA about it, my first reaction months ago when it happened was to call them right up and talk about it, but then I thought....what if I piss them off, what if my state representative is put off by me and thinks I'm complaining about her, or making her look bad to DONA, wouldn't I be burning my bridges? I wasn't even sure who I should contact.

I really wasn't trying to make DONA look bad or put them down, just looking for an ear so I could vent my frustration. And probably also to know if other doulas thought I should bring it to DONA's attention or drop it. I guess since it's still festering(not sure how to spell that

) I should talk to them about it.