WASHINGTON INTERFAITH NETWORK FAQs
What is the mission WIN? WIN is a broad-based, non-partisan organizations of dues-paying member congregations, school, unions, business associations, and nonprofits committed to building power for racial equity, economic justice and long-lasting improvements in communities. WIN develops leaders to become participants in democratic decision-making and agents of the creation of a more just society through the exercise of power together through relationships.ORGANIZING
How does WIN organize? The process begins when a core team of leaders in an institution conduct relational (one-on-one) meetings and small group conversations called “house meetings”. These meetings provide an opportunity for individuals to share their stories and concerns. Through these conversations, leaders begin to understand, value, and effectively tell their own stories and learn how to elicit stories from others. Leaders’ stories are the inspiration for action on their hopes, grief, and values. Who sets the agenda for the organization? The organization’s agenda is set by the leaders within the institutions that make up the organization. Often, several issues will be identified by a number of institutions, and these will become priorities for the entire organization. Other issues, important to one or a small group of institutions, can become the subject of local action, supported by the entire organization. What kinds of issues does WIN work on? WIN works on issues that emerge out of conversations within our members and their larger community. WIN has worked on numerous issues large and small. See our list of current campaigns to get a flavor. What do organizers do? The primary responsibility of organizers is to identify leaders who have an appetite for public action and teach them the skills and practices required for effective, results-oriented public work. Organizers develop the talent within leaders, challenging them to see their potential and the possibilities that can be accomplished through organized collective action. What is broad based organizing? “Broad-based” organizing brings together a broad base of institutions for power, which we define as the ability to act. These institutions are schools, congregations, labor unions, business associations, and neighborhood associations. We What is the Iron Rule? The Iron Rule of organizing is: Never do for somebody what they can do for themselves. WIN does not bring an agenda of issues to new institutions. Instead, WIN teaches the skills and practices those institutions need to determine their own agendas, identify and mentor leaders, and act together publicly. Does WIN endorse political candidates? No. We are strictly nonpartisan. WIN does hold elected leaders accountable to the citizens / residents they represent. We value alliances with elected leaders, and welcome their support and action on our agenda. We also publicize their positions on issues important our members, and encourage individuals to use this information in making election decisions.MEMBERSHIP
Who are your members? WIN members are organizations are institutions: congregations, schools (both private and public), labor unions, business associations, nonprofits and neighborhoods and civic organizations that share a concern for families/communities and are rooted in traditions of faith and/or democracy. What are the benefits of membership? In the first instance, relational organizing techniques can be used internally to strengthen an institution, and externally to strengthen that institution’s relationships with its neighbors. While the organization and objectives of every institution are different, many members are able to achieve victories on local concerns that they could not realize on their own. How can my organization join WIN? You will probably want to begin with a series of conversations with WIN leaders, and within your organization, about how membership might help your organization bring change to your community. For more information, contact at our phone number or email.