The only thing standing between us and the destruction of Nature is local community action.
About WEAN
Whidbey Environmental Action Network is an community-based non-profit focused on protecting wild spaces and promoting healthy ecosystems on Whidbey and Camano Islands in Washington State.
For over thirty five years, WEAN has held local jurisdictions accountable to state environmental law and shaped environmental policy on the county level through multiple levers of action including public awareness campaigns, environmental policy consultation, rigorous public comment, and litigation.
See our mission, vision and commitments
here.
Protecting Ecosystems Is Community Care
When we advocate for environmental protections, we do so with and for you.
When we file a petition in court, we do so on behalf of our membership and on behalf of our Island ecosystems.
Imagine A World Where Nature's Rights Are Honored And Protected
Join us in the fight to make sure that local, county, and state laws and policies protect our ecosystems.
WEAN Membership Benefits
As a member of WEAN, you become a voting member of the organization, contribute to our standing in the court of law, and protect the environment as a part of our network of activists and advocates.
Voting Rights
WEAN members have voting rights within the organization, allowing you to weigh in on key decisions, including electing our Board of Directors.
Standing In Court
WEAN members contribute to our organization’s standing in court. Your support helps us litigate more effectively when necessary.
Advocacy Opportunites
WEAN members have the opportunity to engage in the organization’s top priorities, gather together to discuss local community issues, and lend their voices to active advocacy initiatives.
Annual Dues
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Supporter Membership At $100/YearList Item 3
For community members in the position to contribute more, we suggest dues at a rate of $100 a year. Dues at this rate cover administrative costs and subsidize other members of the community to join WEAN.
Dues are tax deductible.
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Suggested Membership At $50/yearList Item 2
The suggested price for an annual membership to WEAN is $50, which helps the organization offset the administrative costs of operating the membership program.
Dues are tax deductible.
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Supported Membership At $10/YearList Item 1
Community members with financial need can apply for membership at a subsidized rate of $10 a year.
Dues are tax deductible.
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Request Dues Waiver
If paid membership is out of reach but you would still like to join us, we want you to be included. Please check the "dues waiver" box on the application form.
Defend our ecosystems through environmental advocacy,
civic engagement, and litigation as a member of WEAN.
Membership FAQs
Why does WEAN have a membership program?
Whidbey Environmental Action Network is a membership organization, as defined by our Articles of Incorporation, which requires us to have a membership program.
WEAN is organized this way to fortify our standing in the court of law when litigating on behalf of our communities and our ecosystems.
Becoming a WEAN member specifically helps our standing in court, allows us to legally advocate for you, and gives you voting rights within the organization, including voting on our Board of Directors.
Membership is a key way for you to show you align with us and believe in our mission.
What is the difference between membership and donorship?
Members pay annual dues. Donors contribute through charitable gifts. Both are tax deductible.
Membership
Membership is required by our Articles of Incorporation. Membership requires an accepted application and annual tax-deductible dues payments. Membership gives you voting rights within the organization and contributes to our standing in court. Membership also shows pride in our mission!
Donorship
Donorship is required for our continued operation and supports the organization through tax-deductible gift-giving throughout the year. Gift-giving does not constitute membership, voting rights in the organization, or directly contribute to our standing in court.
Members can choose to also be donors by giving gifts of whatever amount is meaningful them beyond dues payments through out the year. Donors do not need to become members to continue to support WEAN.
Both members and donors are an important part of our community!
What is "standing" in court?
In basic terms, standing in court means you must have been directly and personally harmed by the actions of another party to have the legal right to sue them.
Having a large membership base helps us demonstrate widespread harm when ecosystems are damaged.
What are voting rights?
In addition to more informal member gatherings, WEAN holds an annual member meeting in April, during which members vote on the election of directors, if applicable.
What is the application process?
WEAN accepts applications for membership on a rolling basis. You can apply anytime throughout the year.
Once you submit a membership application, members of the WEAN staff and board will review your application. Alignment with WEAN's mission, vision, and commitments is required to be accepted into membership with WEAN. If approved for membership, you will receive timely notification via email.
In the event that your application is denied, dues will be refunded in full.
Photos by Linda LaMar