Washington Interfaith Network (WIN)
The Washington Interfaith Network is a multi-racial, multi-faith, non-partisan, District-wide citizen’s organization representing approximately 25,000 families from every section of the city. The WIN alliance currently has 50 dues paying members, almost all church congregations but including unions, neighborhood associations and schools. WIN was founded in 1996 and has become one of the most powerful advocacy groups in the District. Over the years it has helped fund repairs in the city public schools, increase home ownership for moderate income families, sponsor after-school programs, work toward community policing in neighborhoods. It provides an important framework for developing local community leadership and empowering city residents to make a positive difference in their neighborhoods.
WIN is one of over 60 affiliates of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF). Across the country IAF related organizations have pioneered the living wage movement, numerous after-school programs, successful job training efforts, the building of thousands of Nehemiah homes for sale to working-poor families, and countless other programs with national implications. IAF affiliates in the DC Metro area are: Action in Montgomery (AIM), Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD), Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement in Northern Virginia (VOICE). Learn more about WIN and its members and actions at http://windc-iaf.org/.
WIN members of Blessed Sacrament, in addition to being active in city-wide actions to hold officials accountable, have actively supported its sister parish, St. Thomas More, in S.E., including getting out the vote, funding for the Mary Virginia Merrick Center, and surveys of property for the Neighborhood Investment Fund; successfully advocated for athletic facilities at Wilson H.S.; helped CCH/FP gain 65 units of supported housing for the homeless.
Co-chairs for the Blessed Sacrament WIN team are Margaret Ahmann (202) 966-1983/ Joan Lee (301) 654-8171/ .
