Founded in 1964, the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (the Assembly) is the local civic organization in Near Southwest Washington, DC (zip code 20024). Governed by by-laws and an elected board, its mission is to improve the quality of life for its more than 12,000 residents. The Assembly consists of The Southwester, a monthly news publications, and issue focused task forces (Education & Scholarship, Emergency Preparedness, Parks & Open Space, SW Heritage (History), Technology, Transportation, Waterfront Planning, Workforce Education & Adult Education and Youth Activities, Board members serve for two years. Task Force Chairpersons are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of its members with board approval. Annual Reports on the Assembly and its activities can be found on the SWNA website. Anyone interested in serving on a task force can submit an application here.

The Assembly’s Board meets monthly, unless its a holiday, on the first Monday at 7:00 pm at the Assembly’s Office located at Waterfront Station, 1101 Fourth Street, SW, Suite W110, Washington, DC 20024. Rescheduled board dates are agreed upon by the Board and announced in advance. Board members are expected to attend all Board meetings unless excused for emergencies, travel or work-related reasons. Attendance and participation in Board meetings are crucial to both the overall success of the Assembly.

The Assembly holds monthly community forums/meetings on the fourth Monday (except in July, August and December) at 7:00 pm in designated locations in Southwest to discuss topics of interest and concern to the community-at-large. Advance forum/meeting notices are sent via an Eblast from SWNA. Board members are expected to attend SWNA community meetings.

In addition to attending Board and monthly forum/community meetings, Board members are expected to:

  1. Work collaboratively with other Board members to ensure that the Assembly’s mission is achieved;
  2. Consult with constituents and formally report on or bring issues and topics of concern to the attention of the Board;
  3. Disseminate information, notices, and announcements on upcoming meetings and events to constituents and encourage their attendance and participation.
  4. Assist in identifying grants or funding opportunities for the Assembly;
  5. Submit articles or information of importance to The Southwester; and
  6. Serve on or actively support a task force.