Values, Vision and Mission Statements

Values

1. 1. 1. Tenant Power – Power should be with the people; the tenants. This is key to everything.
      2. Democracy – We help tenants elect LTO boards and the Mass Union board is elected by our affiliates. We use the Dot Exercise to make decisions and train members to do so as well. Democracy also means that tenants must have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making that impacts their lives at all levels – the Housing Authority, the state, and the nation.
      3. Radical Inclusion – ALL tenants are welcome and crucial for our network, regardless of race, ethnicity, ability, age, language, citizenship, religion, or anything else. We take steps to ensure that all are welcome and included.
      4. Transparency – We share information with our affiliates, such as our budgets and decision-making processes. Our member LTOs do the same.
      5. Fairness – Everyone plays by the same rules. We create the rules together and enact them fairly. We oppose a system where certain tenants get special treatment by their LHAs, by Mass Union itself, or in any other context.
      6. Impact – We want real-world results. Public housing needs to be fixed. We want to see tangible improvements to the quality of life in public housing.
      7. Dignity – In everything we do, we strive to be kind and compassionate with each other. We treat each other with dignity, especially when the rest of the world does not.
      8. Unity – Once we reach a group decision, it is respected by all and we speak with one voice. We don’t have to be best friends, but we understand that in order to win change, we need each other. Spaghetti Power!

Vision

We envision…

…a world without homelessness, racism or classism;
~ Where housing is a human right,
~ Where all housing is safe, sanitary and dignified,
~ And where all people participate in the decision-making that impacts their lives.
…a Massachusetts where public housing is fully funded,
~ And that enhances and enforces tenant rights and protections.
… public housing communities that are safe, inclusive, cohesive and beautiful,
~ Where all tenants are informed, empowered, heard, respected, and valued.

Mission Statement

The Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants is a nonprofit run by tenants for tenants. Our mission is to build power and voice for tenants so that we may effectively improve public housing in Massachusetts.