Our Mission
Advocate
We advocate to change a military and veterans culture that tolerates sexual misconduct, to increase opportunities for women, and to ensure women’s health needs, including reproductive care, are fully met.
We work with Congress, DoD, the VA, and other federal agencies/departments to pass legislation and implement policy. We do this by working with like-minded coalitions and individual organizations, including MSOs, VSOs, and others.
We advocate for service women by educating, by speaking, and by participating in gatherings/events at government agencies and educational institutions with a focus on military women’s contributions and needs.
Connect
We collaborate with coalitions and other partners to amplify the voice of service women and veterans to support our advocacy efforts.
We inform our members of opportunities, events, and resources available to them.
We develop relationships with key organizations that can partner with SWAN to provide direct services, funding opportunities, and volunteer opportunities for members.
Support
We maintain a network of vetted pro bono resources to address challenges service women, veterans, and their families may face.
Our case manager works one-on-one with service members, veterans, or others, to ensure they have access to the information, tools, and support they need to overcome barriers.
The 24/7 Emergency Hotline provides real-time assistance to address immediate needs and questions. It is confidential and serves as a safe place for servicemembers and others to contact us for assistance, no matter the issue.
Our History
The Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) was founded in 2009 by women veterans determined to reform a VA claims process that too often failed them. They quickly uncovered deeper systemic issues—harassment and sexual assault during service, and the VA’s refusal at the time to recognize sexual assault as a cause of post-traumatic stress (PTS). SWAN successfully fought for change, helping to ensure survivors received the care and justice they deserved.
In 2012, SWAN led efforts to end the exclusion of women from combat roles, arguing that such policies hindered careers and perpetuated inequality. Their advocacy contributed to the historic 2013 decision to open all combat positions to women, with full integration beginning in 2016.
Today, SWAN continues to be the nation’s leading organization for servicewomen and women veterans, driving policy change and providing critical resources including a 24/7 assistance hotline—to ensure they are supported, empowered, and heard.
Annual Reports
SWAN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. This is the tax category for nonprofit organizations in the US Internal Revenue Code (IRC). These organizations are required to disclose their financial statements to the public, including their annual report, to build trust with the public and show accountability to donors.
Help us support Military Women & Women Veterans
Help us support Military Women & Women Veterans
For the price of a cup of coffee, you can donate to SWAN and give back to those servicewomen who have sacrificed so much for our country. Your contribution will not only support their needs but also honor their dedication and resilience. Join us in making a difference in the lives of these incredible women who have selflessly served our nation.