Category: Past Events

March 2025 – Local Tenant Organization (LTO) Life Cycle Training

When: March 17, 24, and 31 at 11am

Where: Zoom– Register below by Wednesday, March 12 at 5pm!

Are you working to start a new LTO? Or maybe your existing LTO needs to be revived? In either case, join us for the LTO Life Cycle training!
This three-part training series is catered to seasoned resident leaders. Working alongside other resident leaders and Mass Union staff, you will learn all the steps necessary to launch or revive a strong and diverse LTO.  We’ll focus on LTO recognition requirements, officer roles and responsibilities, relationship-building, and setting cultural values that promote diverse and functional LTOs.
Mass Union Network Leaders and staff will remain in touch with you after the training to offer ongoing support.

 

Feb 26 – Webinar: New EOHLC Guidelines on Tenant Participation

February 26, 1pm
Via Zoom –

Over the past year, Mass Union worked closely with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to write guidelines for Housing Authorities about tenant participation. We wanted the guidelines to address areas of concern that you, tenants and LTOs, had identified. We’re thrilled that EOHLC released the new guidelines on December 16, 2024. Read them here!

Join Mass Union and our longstanding attorney Annette Duke on February 26 at 1pm to review the new guidelines (known as a Public Housing Notice, or PHN). The PHN contains six pages of detailed guidance for Housing Authorities regarding their interactions with LTOs, as well as two Attachments. The PHN affirms the independence of LTOs and important practices regarding Tenant Participation Funds. For example, it makes clear that funds may be used to support quality of life initiatives, such as community gardens, wellness classes, computer labs and more. Join us to learn more about the contents of the PHN and to think about how you can use it to build power and voice for tenants at your development, so that together, you can improve the quality of life for residents.

Have you used the new PHN in your community? For example, have you discussed it with tenants or the Housing Authority, or used it to advocate for improvements? If so, please let us know – we may want to share your story on the webinar. Email info@massunion.org or call 617.825.9750. Thank you!

Oct 3-5: Mass Union’s Fall 2025 Convention and Board Election

The Fall 2025 Convention will be held at the Best Western in Marlborough, MA. Programming will be offered on Friday, October 3, Saturday, October 4, and the morning of Sunday, October 5.

AGENDA |  ELECTION | BOSTON BUS

Spanish translation provided! Se prestarán servicios de interpretación en español. Haga clic aquí para registrarse.

Featured Speakers

Online registration for the Convention has now closed. If you would like to attend, please call us at 617-825-9750.

Hotel rooms are no longer available to reserve. Every attendee who reserved a hotel room before September 25 will have a room.

May 7: Public Housing Day at the State House

THANK YOU to everyone who joined us at the State House!

If you would like to check our 2025 policy priorities we worked on during Public Housing Day, click here.
Join us for a day of Workshops, Meetings, Civic Engagement and Education

Featuring Keynote Remarks from Secretary Ed Augustus, Senator Adam Gomez, Representative Carole Fiola, Tenant Leaders, and More!

 

 

 

Civic Engagement Workshop with Commonwealth Seminar

Meetings with Policy-Makers

Make your voice heard to support fair funding for public housing, Access to Counsel for tenants facing eviction, protection for tenants undergoing redevelopment, and more. Join public housing tenants and their allies from across the state at Public Housing Day at the Massachusetts State House!

Parking information below.

CLICK HERE TO PAY ONLINE FOR YOUR REGISTRATION

$100 per tenant is requested to cover the costs of Breakfast, Lunch, T-shirts and Interpretation
$125 per non-tenant

Buses will be provided from certain locations for an additional fee. Parking and travel information below!THANK YOU TO OUR PUBLIC HOUSING DAY SPONSORS!

Jan 27 – Capital Planning Webinar with EOHLC

11am-12pm Via Zoom

Join this webinar with Mass Union and EOHLC (Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities) to learn more about funding and supporting capital improvements at your Local Housing Authority.
Due to the successful passage of the Affordable Homes Act, $2.2 billion has been earmarked to address the dangerous backlog of capital needs in public housing. Join us to get an overview of the capital improvement planning process at your Local Housing Authority. Tenants have the right to weigh in, and your voice is critical.
 
This webinar is open to all residents of Local Housing Authorities. Please register below. We will send you the Zoom link after you register. If you encounter difficulties, contact Lilith Dyke at lilith@massunion.org. 

 

Nov 14: Changes to Rent Determination – Webinar with EOHLC

11am-12pm Via Zoom

Join Mass Union and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) for a webinar about changes to the rent determination process.

On June 7, 2024, the state updated 760 CMR 6.00, the regulations that cover rent in public housing. Read about the changes here. Join us for this webinar for a presentation and Q&A with officials from EOHLC about these updates.

Nov 7: Brockton & South Shore In-Person Training

Mass Union is very excited to head down to Brockton on November 7, 2024, for an in-person training session! The training is free for public housing residents and all are welcome. We will focus on key skills for running a successful Local Tenant Organization, such as the following:

  • Building power through strength in numbers (Spaghetti Power!)
  • Prioritizing issues and working with your Housing Authority
  • Listening skills

Whether you are trying to start an LTO or simply looking to refresh your knowledge, please join us at:

Sullivan Towers, 140 Colonel Bell Dr.

Brockton, Ma, 02301

October 22: Crafting Connection: Using Storytelling and Communication to Build Resilient Organizations

Crafting Connection: Using Storytelling and Communication to Build Resilient Organizations

An Event from YW Boston

Join our expert speakers, Austyn Ellese Mayfield, Anouska Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., and David Brown, joined by moderator Cristela Guerra as they guide you through strategies for fostering inclusivity and engagement in your workforce. You’ll learn:

  • The power of storytelling to cultivate empathy and understanding across teams. 
  • How to align communication with your team’s needs, ensuring all voices are heard. 
  • Techniques for consistent and clear leadership communication that builds trust and dependability. 
  • When to engage in dialogue and when to act in crisis situations.

In addition to gaining invaluable insights, participants will receive a communications toolkit designed to help navigate moments of crisis. This practical resource will empower you to lead with clarity and confidence during times of uncertainty.

Register Here

October 16: Resident Board Member Roundtable

October 16, 2024
10am-11am
Join Resident Board Members from across the state to share stories, challenges and accomplishments! Two experienced resident board members, Carol Roberts of Brockton and Jessica Quinonez of Springfield, will facilitate an open agenda. As said by a resident board member at a recent training, “we are all in the same boat!”
Join Zoom Meeting

October 2: EOHLC Webinar on Sustainability

October 2, 2024 at 11am.
Join the staff of EOHLC and learn about the latest and greatest on Sustainability and Resiliency topics. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering utility costs, preventing flooding and extreme heat in developments, EOHLC staff are ready to answer questions and help Housing Authorities prepare for the future.
 EOHLC Presenters:
Gregory Abbe, Sustainability Program Developer
Gemma Wilkins, Sustainability Program Coordinator
Join Zoom Meeting