Frequently Asked Questions About Membership
in the United States Breastfeeding Committee
What is the United States Breastfeeding Committee?
The United States Breastfeeding Committee
(USBC) is an organization of organizations. The mission of the USBC is to improve
the nation's health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support
breastfeeding.
What are the criteria for membership in the USBC?
To become a voting member of the USBC, the organization must be a U.S. based
nonprofit organization of national scope that has a strong organizational dedication
to or the potential ability to enhance breastfeeding promotion, protection, and
support in the United States. Breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support
should be a major focus of the organization, but does not necessarily have to
be the sole focus of the organization.
Government agencies with an interest in health and/or women's and children's
issues are also eligible to become non-voting members of the USBC.
Can individuals become members of the USBC?
Individuals may also be non-voting members of the USBC by invitation of the Membership Committee only. These individuals must have made or be making a major contribution to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding.
For individuals who wish to support the work of the USBC, please consider becoming a Friend of the USBC.
Are there organizations that are not eligible for USBC membership?
For-profit organizations are not eligible for membership. Organizations whose primary objective is supporting infant formula or the marketing of products and services that replace breastfeeding are not eligible for membership in the USBC.
How are organizations represented?
Each organization appoints a representative and, if they wish, an alternate to meetings of the USBC. Both of these individuals are working members of the USBC, although only one of them may vote on issues (each member organization has one vote).
How can my organization become a member of the USBC?
Each organization fills in a Membership application. Membership applications
are reviewed by the Membership Committee and voted upon by the USBC. An affirmative
vote by consent agenda is required for membership in the USBC. An organization
may be denied membership if two-thirds of the voting members present vote to
reject such an organization's application for membership.
How can I obtain a membership application for my organization?
To request a membership application form, please send an e-mail to office@usbreastfeeding.org containing verification of nonprofit status and a brief description of your organization, including its mission statement. You should receive your application form within 10 business days.
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