This year, Generate Health made a bold governance change, continuing to address recommendations from its racial equity audit. After extensive review and stakeholder discussions, Generate Health legally removed the membership component from its governance structure.
Founded as the Maternal, Child, and Family Health Coalition in 1999, we initially adopted a fee-based membership model. This model persisted as we became an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3). Members elected the Board of Directors, amended the By-laws, and had the authority to dissolve the organization.
Over time, interest in membership waned as individuals and organizations found other ways to support Generate Health. Surveys revealed a lack of understanding about membership’s purpose and a preference for supporting our mission rather than participating in governance.
Our racial equity audit highlighted that the fee-based membership structure did not align with our mission and commitment to equity. It centered institutions rather than community members impacted by racial inequities. This dual accountability hindered trust, effectiveness, and clear decision-making.
We considered restructuring membership power but ultimately decided to be bolder and more community-led without the membership structure. The legal change means the Member responsibilities are delegated to the Board of Directors. In 2025 we will continue co-creating community decision-making roles and defining partnership principles that guide how we engage with institutions.
Generate Health remains committed to centering the leadership of Black women and birthing people, fostering collaborative action within networks of diverse stakeholders aligned with our mission and vision to make St. Louis a place where Black families thrive.