Mass Union’s 52nd Annual Spring Convention

May 5, 2023 – May 7, 2023
Best Western, Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, Marlborough

181 Boston Post Rd W, Marlborough, MA 01752
For directions, call the hotel at (508) 460-0700

AGENDA

Friday, May 5

3:00 PM Hotel Check in Opens

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Convention Registration (Lobby)

Saturday, May 6

Note that if you arrive on Saturday, bags can be stored in the Corporate room until hotel check-in opens at 3pm.

7:30 AM Restaurant Breakfast (if you stayed Friday night)

8:00 AM – 9:45 AM Continental Breakfast (Ballroom Foyer)

8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Convention Registration (Lobby)

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Morning Plenary (Salon CD)

Speakers: Mass Union Board and Staff; Chris Devore and Fatima Razzaq, DHCD

12:00 PM – 1:15 PM LUNCH (Salon CD)

Guest Speaker: State Representative Carole Fiola by Recorded video

AWARDS
Dave Underhill, Bill King Award
Don Rivard, Special Commendation
Stephen P. Montgomery, Lincoln Durant Award

1:30 PM – 2:45 PM WORKSHOP OPTIONS

Becoming a Resident Researcher: Lessons from the Healthy Neighborhoods Study             Salon E

This workshop will describe the power of doing your own research, using lessons from the Healthy Neighborhoods Study, one of the largest Participatory Action Research projects in the country.

Presenters: Dave Underhill: Vice-President of Mass Union, Vice-Chairman Board of Commissioners Fall River Housing Authority, Chairman of Fall River Housing Joint Tenant Council; Andrew Seeder: Research Scientist,  Participatory Methods and Training

Local Tenant Organizations and Resident Participation         Princess

According to DHCD, resident participation in decision-making at the Housing Authority is beneficial and should be encouraged. Join us for a review of your participation rights as well as tips for running a strong, impactful Local Tenant Organization (LTO).

Presenters: Sarah Byrnes, Executive Director of Mass Union; Maria Fernandes, Facilitator and Trainer

Building Our Voices & Power at the Statehouse             Duchess

Join Mass Union and our partners MassNAHRO, CHAPA, Mass Law Reform, and the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) for an update on important policy changes, as well as key tips for how you can help create state-level change for public housing residents.

Presenters: Donald Hamilton, Secretary of Mass Union; Kelley Cronin, Executive Director of Acton Housing Authority, President of MassNAHRO; Annette Duke, Mass Law Reform Institute; Eric Shupin, CHAPA; Representatives from the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization

2:45 PM BREAK

3:00 PM – 4:15 PM WORKSHOP OPTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations         Salon E

Join lawyers from South Coast Fair Housing for an overview of Reasonable Accommodations. Learn about your rights and the process for requesting an accommodation.

Presenters: Kristina da Fonseca, Executive Director, and Brittany Perdigao, Staff Attorney, SouthCoast Fair Housing

Special Session for LHA Resident Board Members (Commissioners)    Princess

Are you a resident on the board of your Local Housing Authority? Join us to discuss your critical role with others in the same boat. We’ll review tips and ideas for common challenges. Bring your questions and ideas!

Presenter: Sarah Byrnes: Executive Director, Mass Union

Fundraising for Local Tenant Organizations         Duchess

Join Mass Union Board Members and other residents to think about ways to fundraise for LTOs. This session will be entirely tenant-led! We’ll share creative ideas for generating funds and other donations and open it up to your ideas as well.

Presenters: Jessica Quinonez, Resident Commissioner in  Springfield, President of the Jennie Lane Tenants Association, and Mass Union Board Member; Don Rivard, President of Charter Street Tenants Association in Salem and Mass Union Treasurer

4:15 – 5:00 PM Closing Plenary and Raffles (Salon CD)

6:30 PM – 11:00 PM JACK COOPER RETIREMENT GALA (Salon AB)

AWARD
Linda Montgomery, Jack Cooper Award

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Note that hotel check-out is 11:00 AM. Please plan to check-out before the Election. Bags can be stored in the Corporate room until your departure.

7:30 AM Restaurant Breakfast (if you stayed Saturday night)

8:00 AM Continental Breakfast (Ballroom Foyer)

9:00 AM Mass Union Board Election (Salon CD)

12:00 -1:00 PM Lunch (Ballroom Foyer)