WE WORK
Together To Win
Here’s how
We organize to build power.
We are ordinary leaders who want to make a difference.
We set our own agenda.
We’re backed by many allies in Common Ground.
Organizing is a virtuous cycle.
What it means to be a member
Welcome to the power of all of us. As members, we pledge to…
Pay dues.
$5/month Tenants,
$5-50/month Allies.
Our independent budget affords us capacity and freedom.
Show up & bring others. We have each others’ backs; our ability to consistently fill a room is our power.
Be courageous. We aren’t scared of bullies and don’t back down from a fight.
Listen & relate with others. Relationships fuel our work; we always look for new issues and leaders.
FAQs
Got questions?
We’ve got answers.
How did Tenants United come to be?
Tenants United (TU) evolved from Common Ground’s successful ‘Tenants United’ campaign to reform public housing, transforming into a broader organization after two years of successful advocacy for better housing conditions beyond HACM.
How is Tenants United connected to Common Ground?
Tenants United is a dues-paying member organization of Common Ground, a larger alliance of organizations, which helped create TU and provides ongoing training and assistance.
What’s the difference between a member and a donor?
Members actively participate and make commitments to the collective work of TU, including dues and attendance, while donors provide financial support without making commitments to the organization’s actions.
How much members pay in dues? Why?
Members pay a minimum of $5/month in dues, which supports staff, events, and ensures the organization’s financial independence and broad ownership.
What do you “get” out of being a member?
Membership offers collective power to address housing issues, providing benefits like organizing support, strategy assistance, access to monthly meetings, and political representation.
Can anyone become a member?
Any tenant or ally (homeowner, condo-owner) in Greater Milwaukee (Milwaukee, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, and Racine counties) can become a member, with those outside these bounds invited to be donors.
What do members do, exactly?
At a minimum, members commit to four principles and attend three monthly meetings, with opportunities ranging from canvassing and identifying issues to supporting others, allowing for varied levels of involvement.
