EBHO is launching an affordable housing resident organizing program.
EBHO just hired a Director of Resident Organizing, a new position that will pilot a resident leadership program in Oakland! We would like to introduce to you Shawn Rowland who will work with you to tap the power of our constituent base of affordable housing residents to advocate for more affordable housing for low-income people.
What is the new program:
EBHO's new resident organizing and leadership program will empower affordable housing residents to be affordable housing advocates and engage them in EBHO's campaigns and programs. Residents who live in non-profit affordable housing developments represent a powerful and compelling constituency, and are a tremendous resource of expertise and legitimacy. They can directly speak to the benefits of affordable housing for their own lives, their community, and the surrounding neighborhood.
What you can do to participate:
We will begin our organizing efforts in Oakland. We invite you, EBHO members and allies, to play an active role.
- Help us create and provide leadership training to affordable housing staff and residents to build all of our skills in advocating for affordable housing.
- Help us identify and recruit interested staff and residents to participate in developing and leading affordable housing advocacy campaigns.
- Most immediately help us to identify affordable housing residents to tell their stories! As we do every year, we will profile residents on our website and in our guidebook to put a face on the critical benefits of affordable housing.
Shawn Rowland has 20 years of experience in social work, including mental health policy, program development and political advocacy. She also brings experience in training, leadership development and strategic political planning. Her direct social work experience includes work with incarcerated juveniles and adults, children and adults challenged by serious mental health issues, and at risk youth. Her grassroots work as political community organizer, in the arena of mental health, for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) included statewide and local voter registration drives, budget and legislative advocacy, and coalition building. She worked to get Proposition 63 (The Mental Health Services Act) passed and facilitated mental health workers and clients having an effective voice in the ongoing implementation. Throughout her career, she has been committed to social justice and empowering individuals to use their voice to improve their lives.
Please feel free to contact Shawn at Shawn@EBHO.org or at 510-663-3830 x312.