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Member Assistance Program

The Member Assistance Program was part of Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director Rhiannon Carnes’ vision for the Ohio Women’s Alliance from the very beginning. Since its inception, OWA's values have been rooted in communal care as a critical component of leadership development. With the widespread increase of conservative extremism over the last several years, we knew it was only a matter of time before access to abortion would become more restricted than ever before, and we knew we needed to be ready. The need for a statewide community that centers the expertise and lived experience of community leaders at the intersections of reproductive rights and social justice was very clear, and the beginnings of the Member Assistance Program were created. The MAP is built on an anti-oppressive support system and our commitment to wrap-around wellness services, education, and information-providing resources for folks to make the best-informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their community.  

When the devastating decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Organization was announced in June of 2022, followed by the Ohio Attorney General enacting the statewide ban on any abortions after 6-weeks of conception, the MAP was well on its way. In response to these unconscionable attacks on bodily autonomy, we received a $500,000 grant from Columbus City Council that allowed us to officially launch the MAP in September under the leadership of Director of Membership Myia Rucker. Modeled after employee assistance programs that exist at many organizations, the Member Assistance Program is a peer-to-peer volunteer network that provides practical support for Ohioans in need of abortion health care—including a warm line, transportation to appointments, and child care stipends. To ensure the program remains client-centered and aligned with OWA values, we developed a thorough multi-level training curriculum that covers Reproductive Justice, advocacy, civic engagement, and providing anti-oppressive care to BIPOC communities. As of December, 49 volunteers have completed training and shifts to provide warm line and transportation support are launching soon!