We provide expertise and support with regard to the HOW and WHAT of birth justice. Learn more about our model. This history helped us develop our expertise.

Elephant Circle was founded in 2009 with fiscal sponsorship from the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights. 

Elephant Circle has always worked on a broad range of issues related to birth and reproductive justice, with a focus on learning and experimenting. Examples from our history include:

  • a childbirth preparation class using the midwifery model for teen women of color (2010-11)

  • development of anti-shackling legislation (2010)

  • creation of Delivering Natural Care for Families (a consumer coalition for midwifery legislation 2011)

  • a method of providing financial support for birth workers of color (2009-present)

  • a group for Incarcerated Survivors Initiating Social Change at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility (2011-14)

  • The Birth Rights Bar Association (2014-present)

  • “Innovation Bootcamp,” a workshop on innovation and social justice in collaboration with CoreAlign (2015)

  • Work with national organizations on access and equity as it relates to race, gender, and sexual orientation (2014-present)

  • a voter guide focusing on the Executive Branch, in collaboration with Forward Together (2014)

  • curriculum for subjects ranging from criminal justice reform to pregnancy and cannabis use to cultivating innovative mindsets to regulatory law, and more (2009-present)

  • partnership with and employment of individuals who may otherwise experience challenges in  seeking employment; we work with LGBTQAUI and gender nonconforming people, queer folks, caregivers, parents, and innovators (2009-present)

  • coordinating the Colorado Birth Center Coalition through the Birth Center Rulemaking process (2015-2016)

Why Elephant Circle? During birth, members of a laboring mother elephant’s community stay with her for as long as needed, providing defense, protection, and support.