Section 1. Disclosure

Board members must disclose any known financial, professional, or personal interest in transactions or decisions.

Section 2. Abstention

Members with a conflict of interest shall abstain from discussion and voting on related matters. In cases where a conflict of interest arises during a discussion, the affected Board member shall recuse themselves from that portion of the meeting and refrain from influencing the outcome. The recusal shall be noted in the meeting minutes, along with the steps taken to manage the conflict.

Section 3. Documentation

Board members shall complete an annual conflict of interest disclosure form, which will be reviewed by the Board or a designated committee. Any conflicts disclosed during the year shall be documented in meeting minutes and addressed in accordance with CODC’s policies. The Secretary shall retain all completed forms as part of CODC's records.

The Cornerstone Oakland Doula Collaborative is dedicated to championing Reproductive Justice, community care, and harm reduction. Our mission is to strengthen and support culturally responsive, community-based birthwork through training, education, mentorship, scholarships, community organizing, advocacy, and research that uplifts and empowers birthworkers and the communities they serve. Through collaborative leadership and community-driven solutions, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable care for all people while uplifting the expertise and voices of birthworkers and the communities they serve. 

CODC is nonprofit and operates exclusively for charitable, educational, and advocacy purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Board members shall actively foster inclusivity in governance, decision-making, and programs, ensuring that policies and practices are rooted in anti-racism, anti-oppression, anti-discrimination, and equitable care. This includes working to address systemic inequities and advocating for intersectional and justice-centered approaches in all organizational activities. This includes:

Diverse voices and perspectives, particularly from historically minoritized and marginalized communities, are included, uplifted, and prioritized.

Board decisions and policies reflect the principles of equity, justice, and access.

Opportunities within CODC are accessible to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, immigration status, ability, or age.

CODC shall conduct equity impact assessments for its programs and initiatives to ensure they are inclusive and address systemic inequities. These assessments will be reviewed annually as part of the organization’s strategic planning process.