Become a Member

Member led, member driven

Thank you for your interest in joining Detention Watch Network (DWN). We hope that you will become a member of DWN and work with us to abolish the inhumane immigration detention system through collective advocacy, education, research, communications, organizing and network-building.

Image credit: Steve Pavey

DWN Membership Criteria

DWN membership is open to organizations and formerly detained individuals that agree with our values and mission and that meet the following criteria:

  • Are actively engaged in anti-detention work
  • Agree to publicly indentify as a member of DWN, when appropriate
  • Agree to respect the diverse views and opinions within the membership and to seek respectful means for communicating concerns and resolving conflict
  • Pay annual membership dues (unless waived) that are a core component to DWN's growth and sustainabilitiy 
  • Adhere to the membership code of conduct
  • Participate in new member orientation and quarterly DWN member calls

Membership Code of Conduct

DWN is a member-led, member driven community. We expect our members to act as leaders within the progressive movement and demonstrate the following behavior:

  • Respect for everyone’s identity, background, experiences, expertise, skills and unique role
  • Willingness for personal growth by allowing yourself to challenge and be challenged by others in a candid and caring manner
  • Offer thoughtful feedback to DWN staff so that we can continue to grow and improve
  • Proactively engage within the Network by offering your experiences, expertise and thoughts within DWN spaces (meetings, member calls, the listservs)
  • Be accountable for your actions

Please note: The membership year runs from January 1 - December 31st and membership applications close on October 1st. Membership is not open to government employees or media representatives.

Applying to DWN Membership

There are a few ways to submit an application for membership:

All applications are reviewed and approved by a membership committee, and you can expect to be contacted by a member of the DWN staff within 10 business days of applying for membership. (Note: If application is sent via mail, the review process could take longer than 10 business days.)