We love highlighting the activities of our amazing USLCA chapters! This month, we’re excited to share information from the Central Arizona Lactation Consultant Association.
Central Arizona Lactation Consultant Association, known as CALCA, has been serving as a resource to lactation professionals in the Phoenix area and beyond for thirty years. The chapter’s new board installed in January had no idea they would be growing CALCA in the midst of a pandemic! CALCA’s board has mobilized to adapt the organization to meet the changes and challenges of these unusual circumstances.
When COVID-19 forced the closure of the meeting rooms at the local hospitals in March, CALCA quickly converted the monthly meeting to Zoom, a move that has tripled regular attendance. CALCA offers an education topic at each monthly meeting, awarding 1.5 CERPs to attendees. CERPs are free to paid members, a benefit that is increasing membership sign-up at nearly double the previous year’s numbers! A yearly membership is only $25, or non-members can pay for CERPs at $15 per session.
CALCA’s board has a vision to increase networking between IBCLCs and other affiliated professionals, reach out to other associations for collaboration, and build an informative, robust, and engaging website as a resource to families and providers in the area (http://www.arizonalca.org/). CALCA also provides scholarships to students and recertifying IBCLCs towards IBLCE certification costs through the Judy Okney Scholarship Fund. CALCA’s board is hopeful to expand membership benefits and educational offerings in the future!