Membership

Together, we are stronger

Detention Watch Network (DWN) is a national membership coalition that brings together advocates and organizers to unify strategy and build partnerships on a local and national level to end immigration detention.

Membership is encouraged for organizations and individuals actively engaged in anti-detention work.

Image credit: Steve Pavey

The Value of DWN Membership

With a DWN membership, you have access to expert analysis, technical assistance, timely resources and meaningful trainings to strengthen and support your work.

  • Build your knowledge and power
  • Enhance your expertise
  • Amplify your work
  • Collaborate with members nationwide

Join DWN Now

Our Member Community

DWN Community Circle

Becoming a DWN member has empowered me in so many ways. The access to resources, trainings, toolkits to fight back, expert assistance and collaboration with legal advocates have been key as I fight my deportation case. I have learned so much from everyone in the network!

— Alejandra Pablos, #KeepAleFree

If membership isn't right for you, but you still want to contribute to Detention Watch Network:

Another great way to support our work is through becoming a DWN donor - you can contribute with a one-time donation or as a sustaining donor. Donors receive regular DWN updates and have access to selected DWN events. Become a DWN donor today!

DWN Membership Statement

We at Detention Watch Network know that the fight to abolish detention will involve a strong and united movement, and we are proud of our vibrant, diverse, and committed membership. We believe a world without immigration detention is within reach, and we are building towards it with our members.

When it comes to DWN’s strategy and big picture decisions, we actively seek and incorporate input from our members. This happens through surveys, in-person or virtual strategy sessions, creating representative advisory committees, and other channels of communication.

While we solicit input from members on big-picture strategy or organizational directions, DWN is an autonomous 501c3 nonprofit organization with clear mission, values, and vision. As such, DWN staff make decisions on day-to-day operations and implementation of our strategic priorities, including signing on to organizational letters, writing press materials, participating in meetings with policymakers and other stakeholders, etc. Statements made by DWN do not necessarily reflect the views of each member. We welcome feedback from our members and always strive to be responsive to member concerns.

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En Detention Watch Network sabemos que la lucha para abolir la detención involucrará un movimiento fuerte y unido, y estamos orgullosxs de nuestra membresía vibrante, diversa y comprometida. Creemos que un mundo sin detención de inmigrantes está a nuestro alcance y lo estamos construyendo con nuestra membresía.

Cuando se trata de la estrategia de DWN y las decisiones generales, buscamos e incorporamos activamente las opiniones de nuestros miembros. Esto sucede a través de encuestas, sesiones de estrategia presenciales o virtuales, creando comités asesores representativos y otros canales de comunicación.

Si bien solicitamos la opinión de nuestra membresía sobre la estrategia general o las direcciones organizativas, DWN es una organización autónoma sin fines de lucro 501c3 con una misión, valores y visión claros. Como tal, el personal de DWN toma decisiones sobre las operaciones diarias y la implementación de nuestras prioridades estratégicas, incluida la firma de cartas organizativas, la redacción de materiales de prensa, la participación en reuniones con formuladores de políticas y otras partes interesadas, etc. Las declaraciones hechas por DWN no ​​necesariamente reflejan las opiniones de cada miembrx. Agradecemos la retroalimentación de nuestrxs miembrxs y siempre nos esforzamos por responder cuestiones de nuestra membresía.

FAQ on Membership

  • I'm not actively engaged in anti-detention work but want to be part of the network. What can I do?
    Another great way to support our work is through becoming a DWN donor - you can contribute with a one-time donation or as a sustaining donor. Donors receive regular DWN updates and have access to selected DWN events. Become a donor here.
  • What is the new membership term?
    As of January 1, 2021, the new DWN membership year will follow the calendar year, as well as our fiscal year, and will run from January 1 to December 31.
  • I'm not currently a member, but I want to join/renew a lapsed membership. Can I become a member before January 2021?
    Yes, you can join as a member now! Your membership will be valid until December 31, 2021.
  • I belong to an organization, should I join/renew as an individual or organization?
    We strongly encourage affiliated individuals to consider joining/renewing as an organization. Organizational members are acknowledged and promoted on the DWN website, and organizational members can add or change as many staff as needed to their membership.
  • Why is there a dues payment?
    Member dues are a core component to DWN's growth and sustainability. They ensure a non-restricted income stream for DWN campaign activities and to strengthen the work of our members.

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