API Leader Guidelines:
Guideline 1: API meetings are open to all, particularly parents and parents-to-be. People of all religious, racial or ethnic backgrounds are welcomed. Support Groups cannot be affiliated with religious or political organizations nor espouse religious or political viewpoints.
Guideline 2: Personal information shared within a group will remain confidential. The dignity and respect of every member will be maintained, therefore gossip is to be avoided.
Guideline 3: Children should also be treated with respect. We encourage the use of gentle, non-violent, loving discipline. In consideration of all parents attending meetings, parents should monitor their children's behavior and attend to the needs of their children during the meetings. This also applies to Leaders who bring children to meetings.
Guideline 4: Presenting other topics not directly related to Attachment Parenting (AP) should be avoided. When issues such as diapering options, homebirth, home schooling, circumcision, vaccinations, specific diets, etc. come up during a discussion, the Leader should state that API takes no stance on these issues, but encourages parents to educate themselves to make informed decisions about them. Literature about various options may be made available after the meeting. Books on these topics may be included in the Group Library. Above all, parents need to feel accepted and peripheral issues should not be allowed to distract from our focus on AP. If a discussion of a particular non-AP issue becomes divisive, then the Leader should end the discussion and return to the meeting topic.
Guideline 5: API Support Group meetings are free for the families that attend. Donations may be solicited at the meeting to cover the cost of renting a meeting space, but it should be made clear to attendees that donations are voluntary. Leaders are expected to encourage attendees to become API members at each meeting. If membership income is not sufficient to pay the Support Group's expenses, then a fundraising project or event should be considered.
Guideline 6: Leaders cannot engage in dispensing legal or medical advice. Those needing help beyond the normal course of parenting a healthy child should be referred to the proper resources.
Guideline 7: API Support Groups should not be used as a vehicle for selling products or services except for fundraising items that are sold to benefit the Group. Members who wish to do so may talk individually to potential customers in a non-intrusive way before or after meetings. Leaders should not use the Group to promote products and services from which they financially benefit. API Leaders, who make their living as childbirth educators, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, etc., should avoid self-referrals.
Guideline 8: If an API Support Group creates or sponsors an e-mail discussion list, it is imperative that the Support Group Leaders establish guidelines that are shared with subscribers (i.e., avoid gossip and respect confidentiality, be supportive and encouraging and use courtesy and respect when posting or responding, avoid inappropriate topics). A Leader should monitor the discussion and post the guidelines when needed. People can easily be offended on e-mail discussion lists. Therefore it is imperative that any conflicts be resolved quickly. It should be made clear to participants that advertising of products or services is never permitted on any API e-mail discussion list.
Further questions? Contact the Leader Applicant Liaison.
