About
Who we are
We are a group of SW DC residents who are organizing and advocating for anti-racist development and an equitable and environmentally sustainable neighborhood.
How we started
In the spring of 2019, the SW Chat Series began. There were 4 initial chats. The Chats were an opportunity for residents to open their homes to other neighbors and have serious conversations about their observations, concerns, and desires for the neighborhood. The Chats were popular and inspired residents to take action, thus creating the more action-oriented SW Action group.
The Chats continue on a monthly basis, and provide the time and space to discuss what initiatives the group takes. If this is something you are interested in, join us!
Our values
Racial and social justice. We seek justice in the distribution of wealth, opportunity, and access for the people of Southwest DC. This includes acknowledging and working to reverse the legacy of racist policies in Southwest. We apply Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's, author of How To Be An Antiracist, lessons in regarding be an anti-racist (read more here).
Affordable housing. We believe housing should be a right, not a commodity (Community Land Trusts and Limited Equity Housing Co-operatives)
Accessible community spaces.
Democracy. We seek direct decisionmaking in Southwest that puts the needs and wishes of its citizens first.
Inclusivity.
People over profit.
Community. We seek a thriving, interconnected community of neighbors who care about one another.
Open spaces
Local businesses, worker co-ops
Neighborhood-serving retail
Working groups: Based on the interests of our members, we have established 3 working groups:
Housing
Community development
Book club