Community
The pandemic may have changed the way we connect and gather, but the strength of our community kept us grounded, hopeful, and committed to our work together.
Staying Connected ... Virtually
In our first virtual regional meetings, members shared updates and heard from representatives of our three Impact Collectives.
Members stayed connected via weekly check-ins that we have hosted twice a week since COVID began.
We embraced meeting over Zoom throughout the year.
Learning Together and Leaning In
In a two-part webinar series on Women, Race, and Power, we learned how the media and public opinion reinforce negative stereotypes about women in power.
Stephanie Kelton, professor and author of The Deficit Myth, presented common monetary myths, transforming our understanding of how to address economic inequality.
In November, we gathered virtually for our first-ever virtual conference, WDN Connect. We heard from Pulitzer Prize-winner Isabel Wilkerson, engaged in conversation with movement leaders, held an interactive workshop on the Social Change Ecosystem, and connected with our WDN community.
We heard from movement leaders on how to shape a new vision for action and rebuild our democracy during our annual conference.
Shifting Power and Centering Movements
Frontline leaders from North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia talked about strategies for mobilizing and engaging voters in the midst of a pandemic.
We learned about rapid-response grantmaking to support community organizing and new models for community safety and care in a webinar with representatives from the Emergent Fund.
In a riveting discussion, Premal Dharia (Defender Impact Initiative), Jamila Hodge (Vera Institute of Justice), Richard Morales (Faith in Action) and Brenda Choresi Carter of the Reflective Democracy Campaign examined our law enforcement and criminal legal system—reimagining criminal justice in an era of racial justice reckoning.
Val Benavidez of Texas Freedom Network spoke to us about engaging voters in the midst of a pandemic.
“Yes, there is much much work ahead; and yes, the political and environmental dangers are real and daunting. But what a terrific band of women with whom to create a positive future.”
–Kathy Barry, WDN member and WDN Action Board Member