Community
In community, we shine brighter and our determination glows from within. This past year our powerful virtual programming brought us together with activists and thought leaders who see the north star on our journey to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. We formed partnerships to explore some of the most pressing concerns of our time, from the future of our democracy to the future of our planet.
Other states where members live are: AL, AZ, CT, DC, ID, IL, FL, ME, MN, MO, MT, NC, NH, NV, OH, RI, SC, UT, VT, and VA
Our Connection
The majority of members took advantage of opportunities to connect via our robust programming. We offered nearly 100 events to learn and connect throughout the year, and we had the distinct privilege to learn from over 80 thought leaders, movement builders, and elected representatives who shared their insights and inspiration.
We continued to build our community and deepen connections through weekly community calls and Gatheround social meet-ups.
Building Skills Together
WDN Connect 2021: Shine On
In November, we gathered virtually for our conference, WDN Connect. We learned from conversation expert Kat Vellos and visionary women who are leading the progressive movements of our times. We held a dynamic conversation on WDN’s equity journey, connected with our WDN community, and rounded out the gathering with plenty of poetry and song. Additionally, members gathered in person and online for regional gatherings.
Fighting the Disinformation Pandemic: Individual and Coordinated Defense
In this two-part series, we learned from experts and activists about how disinformation and harmful narratives spread online, and how organizers are using technology to protect Black and Brown communities from disinformation.
A Dynamic Duo: Combining Charitable Giving with Political Giving for Change
Featuring WDN members Andrea Dew Steele and Gretchen Sisson (also a WDN Action board member), we discussed the building blocks of values-aligned political giving strategy, how our members are supporting political candidates and elected officials, and why it’s critical to invest in c4 infrastructure.
Me to We: When Self Care Meets Collective Care
At WDN’s summer retreat, we gained restorative tools and practices to build our self and collective care toolkits alongside guest speakers Aryeh Shell, Sonya Renee Taylor, Prentis Hemphill, and Amber Field.
Learning Together
Uplifting Birth Justice
A three-part series brought together over 300 funders and organizers along with eight partner networks to collectively lift and center mothers, birthing parents, families, and communities. We explored how the birth justice ecosystem intersects with all the issues we care about, like racial justice, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, and more.
Free the Ballot Box
Five movement leaders joined us in a facilitated conversation. We discussed voter suppression bills and they shared how local, and national leaders are advocating for federal solutions and mobilizing to combat racist, anti-democratic state bills.
WDN Action's Women on the Hill Grantee Issue Briefings
We centered the work of our grantees working on progressive legislation, as it related to immigration, the care economy, and democracy reform.
Progressing Along Our Equity Journey
We reached important mile markers on our equity journey:
■ Completion of our membership survey to gain insight into perspectives and experiences at WDN.
■ Focus groups to further explore insights.
■ Big open-hearted community conversations at the annual conference where we dug deep into race and class privilege.
