Author: Mass Union

11am – 12pm
Online on Zoom
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According to state regulations, tenants have strong rights to participate in the hiring of Housing Authority staff who have direct dealings with residents. Federal regulations also state that tenants may “actively participate through a working partnership with the HA to advise and assist in all aspects of public housing operations.”* Join this webinar for an overview of these regulations, as well as stories from tenants who have been involved in hiring at their LHA. We’ll hear how the process can work, what the outcomes are, and why tenant voice is crucial for these important decisions. Join us then! 

* See 760 CMR 6.09(3)(n) and 24 CFR 964.100 

LTO Board Training Series
Tuesdays, 10am-11:30am
January 13, 20, 27, and February 3 and 10
Online on Zoom

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REGISTration closed

This training will review Mass Union’s LTO Board Handbook, which covers everything LTO boards need to know to get set up and get active! We’ll cover the purpose of forming an LTO, board roles and responsibilities, taking minutes, recognition requirements, bylaws, budgets, opening a bank account, financial reports, staying accountable to the community, language inclusion, how to get along, running community meetings, and much more.

Presented by the Mel King Institute

December 12 – 9:30AM to 3PM

Urban Edge
1542 Columbus Ave
Roxbury, MA 02119

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

Wondering how to make your meetings useful, engaging, and on task? Effective meetings build connections, generate ideas, share knowledge, and can even create pathways to leadership. In this training, Jennifer Raitt will introduce participants to techniques in meeting preparation and planning, key facilitation skills to manage interpersonal and group dynamics, and how to follow-up for success. This workshop is designed to help you explore and improve your capacity to manage meetings and to connect with other individuals planning meetings by providing practical skills through active-learning, small groups, and presentations. The knowledge gained from this training can be applied to any meeting, from small committee meetings to larger public forums.

Meeting objectives:
• Define meeting roles and expectations
• Understand & incorporate appropriate learning styles that invite participation and inclusion
• Identify the characteristics of and learn how to plan a results-oriented meeting
• Identify and apply core facilitation principles in a range of settings
• Understand and learn to manage meetings with a range of participants

MKI will provide coffee and pastries in the morning and lunch in the afternoon.

With Harvard Law Professor Eloise Lawrence
Wednesday, December 3, 11am – 12pm
Recorded – See Video Below

Public housing has a long history in the United States of providing housing for those in need. Currently, 2.2 million people live in public housing nationwide, including 800,000 children. Join this webinar to learn about why public housing was created, who it has served, and the challenges it has overcome to become what it is today. We’ll also touch on the unique state-funded public housing portfolio we have here in Massachusetts, which provides a home for 43,000 households. Join us to discuss what this history means for us today, as we fight to preserve and improve public housing. 

This webinar will be led by Eloise Lawrence, a Clinical Professor of Law and the Faculty Director of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (HLAB). In her role as Faculty Director, Eloise works with the HLAB Student Board to oversee the operation of the country’s oldest student-run civil legal aid clinic. She also serves as supervisor and faculty adviser for the student practice organization Project No One Leaves. Lawrence has spent her entire career representing low-income individuals and grassroots community groups.  

This webinar is open to public housing tenants and allies who wish to support public housing. 

• Best practices for preparing for meetings, particularly for those presenting information
• How to develop agendas that prioritize efficient use of time and decision-making
• Using consent agendas and dashboards to streamline routine updates
• Best practices for effective facilitation and how all board members can contribute to a productive meeting environment
• Strategies for setting clear next steps and follow-through expectations before the meeting closes

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• Appointment process

• Board member rights and responsibilities

• Policy development

• State oversight

• Fiduciary role

• Financial oversight

• Meeting conduct

• Chain of command

• Conflict of interest

• Relationship with local tenant organizations

REGISTER HERE