The Membership Bloc of SWEC is a dynamic and collaborative convening space where more than three dozen representatives from organizations committed to racial equity meet bi-monthly to engage in providing feedback on community policies, sharing educational and professional resources, and collectively addressing and organizing around community issues. Membership is inclusive and accessible, with scholarships and sponsorships ensuring no barrier to participation due to financial constraints.
Program overview
Members play a crucial role in shaping the Membership Bloc, with responsibilities that include providing oversight of funds raised for the Membership Bloc Mini Grants through membership dues. Members have access to:
- Participating in policy advocacy and community initiatives
- Networking, training, and relationship-building opportunities that strengthen trust and coordination across organizations. Additional education opportunities to support continuing education on cultivating sustainable practices rooted in racial justice.
- Access to shared resources, including toolkits, data, and funding opportunities.
- Invites to membership events to support connection and community building among members.
Impact
Our Membership Bloc comprises more than 36 organizations in Southwest Washington. Collectively, the Membership Bloc has achieved incredible things in 2025:
- Over $48,000 distributed to community in the form of the Membership Bloc’s Mini Grants
- 7 new organizations joined the Membership Bloc
- Supported and hosted our inaugural AREDI Summit in 2025.
Membership Bloc Mini Grants
Membership Bloc Mini Grants are our series of annual grants ranging from $500-$2,500 that reinvest in our community, funded entirely by our Membership Bloc’s annual dues. We distribute these grants to give support to organizations and groups who are organizing equity-centered programs or projects. In 2025, we distributed more than $48,000 to almost 30 organizations in Southwest Washington.
Applications will be reviewed every other month, so please submit your application at least 60 days before your event to ensure a timely review and response.
Join the Membership Bloc
Membership is currently open to organizations that are committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion in Southwest Washington. We welcome members from diverse backgrounds, including nonprofits, education, healthcare, community advocacy, philanthropy, social services, and more.
Membership dues
Membership tiers are based on a sliding scale. These dues support the ongoing work and initiatives of SWEC. We also offer scholarships and sponsorships to ensure that financial constraints do not bar participation, and explicitly offer an opportunity for the Membership Bloc to reinvest a significant portion of the profits from dues back into culturally supportive and diverse programs happening in the community.
Application process
Applications are processed twice annually and due by the end of January and July.
The process begins with an initial application, where you provide information about yourself and your interest in joining SWEC. After a review and approval process, approved applicants will receive a link to choose their membership support level and will be scheduled for an orientation.
Connect with us
Do you have questions about the Membership Bloc? Reach out to info@swecwa.org.
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