Patchwork is a community organization that fosters local mutual aid and the solidarity economy. A project of long term Ward 2 Mutual Aid organizers, it’s connected deeply to the organizing community in D.C.

• Classes, Workshops, & Skill-shares
• Community Meeting Space
• Tool Library
• Artist Studios & Shared Workspace
• Resident Organizations
• Music practice & performance space

Patchwork is for creative political organizing

Patchwork is a hub for action, organizational cross-pollination, and community organizing meetings, and action—a critical social ecological commons in an age of rising fascism and reactionary violence. Patchwork’s Resident Organizations and cooperators have longstanding histories of organizing with unhoused and immigrant communities throughout Washington D.C. and are determined to make the space available to those communities through tiered dues, community events, and skill shares.

Patchwork is for working-class community members

While Dupont and Logan Circle are often considered “well resourced” neighborhoods, there is a huge income gap: around 20% make under $50,000 a year, and a significant portion live under the poverty level. Too many in Washington D.C. don’t have access to the kinds of facilities, resources, and networks needed to express themselves and their community. Patchwork creates a space and community for these members.

Local community members will be within walking and biking distance of a beautiful community center at pay-what-you-can prices for membership where they can meet their neighbors and be a part of a thriving independent community hub and third space. They can access community resources like affordable groceries, community meals, events, and a tool library, in a space they can simultaneously use to collaborate, create, and get inspired.

Patchwork cooperators have years of organizing, not-for-profit, and business development experience to support the local community in establishing new and creative projects. What’s more, members can meet other community members like them, join committees, get involved in local organizing, and utilize Patchwork’s Tool Library and other community resources.

Patchwork is long-term

Patchwork is committed to permanent affordability for working-class community members and long-term decommodification of the space and land. Cooperators practice these commitments through the facilitation of shared governance among members, transparent operations, and eventual transfer of ownership to a community land trust (if this is possible).