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

Thank you for your interest in becoming a DWN member. Membership applications are currently closed and will become available in January 2025. Please complete our Member Interest Form and we will notify you once applications become available!

For membership questions, contact us at membership@detentionwatchnetwork.org