Civic Engagement and the Power of Voice

By Michael Bodaken, President

Today, it's unclear and unknowable how affordable housing will fare under the new Administration. While the unknown can often provoke emotions of fear and anxiety, we need to convert those feeling into action and look for opportunities for engagement. It was exactly action that occurred last Saturday through the largest peaceful demonstration in US history. I was heartened by the millions of people who answered the call to action across the world. Throughout history, the United States has been made a better country through consistent and stalwart civic engagement, and the next four years will be no different. We call for everyone to double, triple, and maybe even quadruple their efforts in making sure that the White House and Congress hear us.

Millions of Americans just rallied across the country for equity, justice, and civil rights. We pledge to connect these values with the basic right to live in decent housing. But a one-day march won't do it. We need to follow up by urging members of Congress to protect and expand affordable housing.

With tax reform and appropriations on the legislative horizon, the future of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and essential federal subsidies for needy families and seniors are at risk.

Here's how you can tell your representative and senators that affordable housing matters.

• Have a half hour on a Sunday morning? Write a letter. You can find your representative's address here and your senators' addresses here.
• Better yet, call your member of Congress at 202-224-3121, and keep calling until the receptionist recognizes your voice at "hello." The operator at this switchboard can direct you to your senator or representative.
• Go to a town hall meeting and talk to your congressional representative in person.
• Invite your representative or senator (or their staff) to an affordable housing development nearby.

We want to make this easy for you, so here is a suggested message for you to convey to your members of Congress through letters, phone calls, and in person.

Your voice counts. Individual acts of civic engagement make a real difference.

Stay tuned in!

Photo Credit: Jennifer Roberts, The Globe and Mail