Women, Food and Agriculture Network Frequently Asked Questions
We realize our membership organization is a new direction for WFAN, and so we thought you might have a few questions. we’re glad you asked…
Wait, I thought I already was a WFAN member!
Since its inception, Women, Food and Agriculture Network has been considered a network-based membership organization. We had operated on the idea that everyone who has impacted—or has been impacted by—our work, either as a participant in one of our workshops or learning circles, or as a donor was a “member” of WFAN. Then, prior to the pandemic, we briefly moved to a tiered, dues-based membership model.
After careful consideration during the pandemic, we are seeking to return to our roots and expand our community of supporters through an inclusive donation-based membership model that is rooted in intentional alignment and engagement with WFAN. Thus, if you gift WFAN with your time, talent, or treasure in support of our mission, values and vision, we are thrilled to include you in the WFAN member community.
What this evolving member-driven model means: If we sign petitions or letters, if we support policy, it will be on behalf of you. We will be able to speak to how many true, invested members we represent. We will be able to speak to the types of members we represent. We will be able to speak to the policies and values our membership wants us to represent. And we hope this new framework will encourage you to own your membership and participation in WFAN as an invested and engaged member. What do we mean by own? We hope you will feel encouraged to be more involved in discussions, anti-oppression work, policy-making, events, conferences, and program development. We want you to work in community and relationship with us, to help drive the organization, and to tell others about what WFAN membership means for you.
What are the benefits of membership?
Members will receive a 10% off discount when registering for our annual conference. (WISA conferences not included, unless WFAN is hosting the event.) Members will also receive members-only communications, including priority interest surveys, advocacy updates, Board committee engagement opportunities, partnership and member network maps (in development!) and much more.
What if I can’t make a membership gift at this time?
We know that many of us are stretched to our limits right now - energetically, emotionally and financially. Thanks to the generosity of other WFAN members, we have scholarships available to provide honorary memberships to those who are unable to donate at this time. If you are called to join the WFAN member community, but cannot gift time, talent or treasure in this moment, we understand and want to support you. Simply contact us at info@wfan.org and we will make sure to provide you with an honorary membership.
What if I have a question that isn’t on here?
Feel free to contact us at info@wfan.org. Whatever we didn’t answer here, we will be happy to answer directly.