Creating an Equitable Future in Fertility Awareness
Addressing Financial Inequity in Fertility Awareness Education
For centuries, systemic oppression and institutionalized discrimination have created a vast wealth gap, disproportionately affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Those with multiple marginalized identities—whether based on disability, gender, sexuality, age, or citizenship status—experience even greater economic disparities. This financial inequity significantly impacts opportunities, including access to education and professional development.
The field of fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) is no exception. Fertility Awareness instruction remains disproportionately white, and our current membership at AFAP reflects that reality. We recognize the need for systemic change, and while there is much work ahead, our membership fee structure is one step toward greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in our field.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
To make membership accessible to all, we have designed a flexible fee structure that acknowledges historical and systemic barriers to financial stability. Our goal is to welcome and support educators and advocates from diverse backgrounds while ensuring our organization remains sustainable.
Standard Membership Fees
Our membership fees reflect our commitment to supporting educators and expanding access to fertility awareness education:
- Supporter: $50
- Fertility Awareness Educator (FAE) in Training: $50
- Accredited FAE: $100
Reparations Membership
For BIPOC members, we offer the option to waive the membership fee—not as an assumption of individual financial need but as a small act of reparations for the centuries of harm caused by colonialism and systemic oppression. To select this option, choose “Reparations” on the AFAP membership form when joining or renewing your membership.
Sliding Scale Membership
For individuals experiencing financial hardship, particularly those facing employment discrimination or economic barriers due to a marginalized identity, we offer a sliding scale. Members may choose a fee that aligns with their financial capacity, from $0 to the maximum for their membership category. To select this option, choose “Sliding Scale” on the AFAP membership form when joining or renewing your membership.
Supporting Equity Through Contributions
We invite those who are financially secure to help us make AFAP more accessible by subsidizing memberships for others. If you’re in a position to contribute, you can add an extra $10-$50 to your membership fee when joining or renewing your membership. Your generosity directly supports individuals who might otherwise be unable to join our community. You can also donate to our scholarship fund here.
Learn More
If you’d like to explore the research and perspectives that inform our membership policy, check out the following resources:
- The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Facts: Racial Economic Inequality
- Quantifying America’s Gender Wage Gap by Race/Ethnicity
- People with disabilities face a massive employment gap
- Race, Gender, and LGBTQ+ wage gaps are real – and they end up costing us all
- The Gay and Transgender Wage Gap
- LGBT People in the Workplace: Demographics, Experiences and Pathways to Equity
By adopting an equitable approach to membership, we are working toward a more inclusive, diverse, and just future in fertility awareness education. Join us in creating lasting change.