Southwest Neighborhood Assembly Inc

“Staying Alive” is more than the title of a Bee Gees’ hit song from the ’70s; organizationally, it is an imperative.  Since 1963, The Southwest Neighborhood Assembly has served residents with educational programs and events that benefit the neighborhood and individuals and we’re determined to be Staying Alive!  

At a time of unprecedented disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, SWNA has continued to provide education, information and support to the community. We could not have been successful without the generosity of our donors.  That’s why we’re asking again for your support.  Your donations help us continue to serve Southwest DC.

SWNA is an all-volunteer non-profit organization served by volunteers who lead and serve on our Board of Directors and task force committees.  We publish The Southwester, a FREE monthly newspaper that is available in hard copy and online. 

The Southwest Neighborhood Assembly's mission is to maintain and improve the quality of life for all residents of Southwest Washington, DC, by opening to every resident the wide cultural horizon of urban living; helping to create rich social, educational, and economic opportunities; promoting development of the economic and aesthetic potential of Southwest; and preserving Southwest’s diverse history.  This mission shall be pursued without regard to the social, economic and racial barriers that have divided cities in the past. 

Here are some of our recent accomplishments.

• The Environmental task force (renamed) Southwest Strong hosted a virtual 2-day conference, “Weather the Storm” 
• At the onset of Covid-19, we didn’t miss a beat.  We moved events and meetings online and increased our audience.  Featured speakers included global pandemic expert Dennis Carroll.  A SWNA volunteer shared her personal experience with Covid-19.
• During the recent local election, SWNA hosted three virtual forums to introduce the 27 DC At-Large Councilmember candidates.  The forums were available on Facebook and You-Tube and videos were posted on the SWNA website 
• SWNA continued to publish The Southwester and distribute more than 13,000 hard copies each month – available free at newsstands around SW and near-SE DC.  That reach was further expanded by providing a digital version on the SWNA and Southwester websites.
• The Education & Scholarship task force provided $37,000 in scholarships to 19 SW residents.  This year, 3 special awards were in honor of Dale McIver, Coralie Farley and Barbara Murray.
• SWNA supports students at Amidon-Bowen by supporting a tutoring program and mentors.
• The Youth Activities task force hosted its largest Computer for Kids program.  Each “graduate” received a free computer. 
• The Technology task force hosted a “Computer for Seniors” program and the proud “graduates” received a free laptop. 
• The Aging in Style task force offered the Aging in Style Salon: Intersections series. Speakers included Dr. Thomas Doherty who addressed the personal psychological aspects of the pandemic and now to rebuild cites post-pandemic; Dr. Dennis Carroll who talked about staying safe during the pandemic; and Suzanne Lightman who discussed the ubiquitous role of algorithm’s in everyday life.
  
  Donations can be mailed to:
  Southwest Neighborhood Assembly
  P.O. Box 70131
  Washington, DC 20024