What is WELL Network?

We formed WELL Network in 2003 because of our shared concerns about environmental problems affecting our health and our children's future. WELL Network is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working for a more comprehensive and integrated approach to environmental management in California and the nation. We raise awareness about the links between economic, environmental, and human health.

Why does WELL Network focus on women leaders as members and spokespersons?

Throughout American history, women have been a force for social change. Whether it was fighting for the right to vote or against child labor abuses, promoting better working conditions, or protesting war, women have led demands for justice and reform. Many of these women had wealth, education, and influence. They used these advantages to benefit people overlooked by those in power. The women of WELL Network maintain this tradition of social responsibility.

What does “WELL” stand for?

WELL was an acronym for Women's Environmental Leadership League. We have adopted "WELL" to emphasize our focus on a healthy environment and economy.

How does WELL Network work?

We bring influential women together to speak out on issues affecting the health and well being of our families and environment. We collaborate with business leaders, policymakers, and other opinion leaders; publish reports; sponsor symposia; and network with organizations that make the link between the health of people and the health of the environment and economy.

Does WELL Network provide grants to other nonprofits?

WELL Network is not a donor group or a foundation. We work in partnership with other NGOs with the same objective: to improve governance for the sake of our health and well being, and the health of the environment.

How can California make the difference?

Business leaders and policymakers now recognize that we need effective policies for managing the environment if California is to compete in the global economy. California is the first state in the nation to enact legislation to address global warming. This is a good start. As the world's fifth largest economy, and at the vanguard of environmental advocacy and innovation, California has a global impact. If California changes course, other governments will follow.

Does WELL Network support specific legislation in California?

As a nonprofit 501c3 organization, WELL Network does not lobby. Our position is that California needs a new approach to address the complexity of the environmental crisis we face. WELL Network brings experts and information from around the world to the attention of California business and policymakers. A green plan, such as those enacted in a number of other countries offers a framework for addressing environmental problems and provides a chance for future prosperity. (See Campaigns).

What is required to attain those goals?

In times of crisis, like the Great Depression, the federal government made a massive investment in programs to help the nation recover. People united in response. The current state of our environment and economy presents a similar challenge. WELL Network believes that the environmental crisis needs to be the highest priority of policymakers today, with a level of public investment adequate to the challenge.