About WIN
What is WIN’s mission?
WIN is a broad-based, non-partisan organization of dues-paying member congregations, schools, 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 creating a more just society through the exercise of power together through relationships.
Does WIN endorse political candidates?
No. WIN is strictly nonpartisan. We hold elected leaders accountable to the residents they represent and value alliances with officials who support our agenda. We publicize elected officials’ positions on issues important to our members and encourage individuals to use this information in making election decisions.
How WIN Organizes
How does WIN organize?
The process begins when a core team of leaders in an institution conducts one-on-one meetings and small group conversations called “house meetings.” These meetings provide opportunities for individuals to share their stories and concerns. Through these conversations, leaders learn to understand, value, and effectively tell their own stories and elicit stories from others. Leaders’ stories inspire action on their hopes, grief, and values.
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 a predetermined agenda 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.
What do organizers do?
WIN’s professional organizers 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—schools, congregations, labor unions, business associations, and neighborhood associations—to build power, which we define as the ability to act.
WIN’s Work
Who sets the agenda for WIN?
The organization’s agenda is set by the leaders within the member institutions that make up WIN. Often, several issues will be identified by multiple institutions and 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 from conversations within our members and their larger communities. Issues have included affordable housing, public safety, climate justice, Black homeownership, and immigrant rights. See our Campaigns page to learn about current priorities.
Membership
Who are WIN’s members?
WIN members are institutions: congregations, schools (both private and public), labor unions, business associations, nonprofits, and civic organizations that share a concern for families and communities and are rooted in traditions of faith and/or democracy.
What are the benefits of membership?
Relational organizing techniques can be used internally to strengthen an institution and externally to strengthen relationships with neighbors. While the organization and objectives of every institution are different, many members achieve victories on local concerns that they could not realize on their own.
How can my organization join WIN?
Begin with a series of conversations with WIN leaders and within your organization about how membership might help bring change to your community.