WDN CONNECT 2024
Thursday, Nov 14 – Sunday, Nov 17
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa
Denver, Colorado
This current political moment is full of peaks and valleys, but our community remains steadfast. Join fellow WDN members, activists and movement leaders in Denver for WDN Connect 2024. With the stunning Colorado mountains as our backdrop, we’ll connect, grow, fund, and mobilize at the edge of what is possible. We’ll ground ourselves in community, deepen our collective learning, reflect on the impact of our funding to date, and find actionable hope as we renew our commitment to the work ahead. Join us to inspire and be inspired for our continued journey toward justice together.
THE
EXPERIENCE
WDN Connect is not just a gathering – it's a rallying cry for a vibrant community of multi-racial, multi-generational donor-organizers and partners. Picture a dynamic fusion of minds and hearts, united in purpose to protect and advance gender, racial, economic, and climate justice.
We welcome all WDN members and invited prospective members, partners, and peers in the field to attend.
Words
FROM THE COMMUNITY
“The conference was such a transformative experience for me. I was super new to WDN when I attended WDN Connect in Charlotte and it made me feel like I had found my spiritual ‘home.’ WDN felt like the first place I belonged in a long, long while.”
–Yvonne Adams, WDN Member
“I attended WDN Connect as a funding partner and from the moment I walked in, I took a deep breath and felt, "ahhh..." my people.”
–Jackie Kaplan-Perkins, Movement Voter Project
“At WDN Connect, I met fellow donor activists who are very powerful and smart. I went home inspired by their activism to model back to my local community.”
–Mary Stranahan, WDN Action Board Member
“WDN Connect stands out because of the voices it centers – those doing the work. I also loved connecting with the members – both longtime members and other newbies like myself :) I left feeling not only inspired but activated! It was a highlight for me last year and I look forward to reconnecting in Denver this year!”
–Maggie Geiger, WDN Member
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Amy goodman
Amy Goodman, host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, is celebrated for bringing alternative voices often excluded from mainstream media to millions. Her impactful work has earned multiple recognitions, and she has co-authored six New York Times bestsellers.
NOURA ERAKAT
Noura Erakat is a human rights attorney and associate professor at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. She has served as legal counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives and as a legal advocate for Palestinian refugee rights at the United Nations. Noura's research interests include human rights and humanitarian, refugee, and national security law.
KATRINA GAMBLE
Katrina Gamble is a political strategy advisor with WDN Action and the founder of Sojourn Strategies. A political science professor turned social impact strategist, Katrina brings the rigor of an academician and the thoughtfulness of an organizer grounded in nearly a decade of community-centered work.
JENA GRISWOLD
Jena Griswold is Colorado’s 39th Secretary of State and the youngest Secretary of State in the country. In 2019, she spearheaded and passed into law one of the largest democracy reform packages in the nation. Now, she is a leading voice in expanding mail ballots to every eligible American. Before assuming office, Griswold practiced international anti-corruption law, business law, and election law.
Program overview
Wondering what happens at WDN Connect? This year’s program will feature analysis of the post-election political moment, lessons from movement leaders, a showcase of our collective impact from our initiatives and member organizing spaces, opportunities for connection and community-building, and so much more! Below is an overview of our program to help as you plan your travel.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Morning
Pre-Conference: TRANSformative Stories with Motus Theater (select the pre-conference ticket at checkout to join this event)
Afternoon
Free Time
Evening
Conference 101: Welcome & Happy Hour
Opening Night Reception
Welcome Dinner with Julie Pham
Evening Program with Amy Goodman
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Morning
Breakfast, Meet-ups, & Movement Space
Keynote & Discussion Sessions
Afternoon
Lunch
Discussion Sessions
Free Time & Optional Activities
Identity Meet-ups
Evening
Special Friday Night Event at History Colorado
Comedy Night with Melissa Hale Woodman
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Morning
Breakfast, Meet-ups, & Movement Space
Keynote & Discussion Sessions
Afternoon
Lunch & Learns
Breakout Sessions
Evening
10 years of Reflective Democracy: Celebration Happy Hour
Closing Dinner & Party
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Morning
Breakfast & Goodbyes
Pop-Up Meetings
The VENUE
This year, we’re gathering in Denver, a progressive city and with a growing hub of members in the region. Nestled in the heart of downtown, the iconic Brown Palace Hotel & Spa will serve as our main conference venue.
