Political Advocacy 101: Becoming a housing advocate
Written by Maeve Olson, Lead Campaign Organizer
No one should have to worry about where they are going to rest their head at night. We all do better when everyone has a stable home they can afford. However, right now too many hardworking Minnesotans are either without a home or teetering on the edge of instability.
For a problem as big as housing and homelessness, we know big solutions are needed. At Beacon, we mobilize our base of advocates to raise their voices to elected officials to create and sustain these solutions so all people have a home.
What does it take for you to become a housing advocate? Truly, it’s as easy as showing up and asking questions. Read on to hear from Maeve Olson, Beacon’s Lead Campaign Organizer, to learn the how and why of our policy work.
Social change and political advocacy can be daunting to approach, especially if it’s your first time! When stepping into something new, we often compare ourselves to others. Sometimes we want to just, “leave it to the experts” to solve the problem. Other times, it can feel like it’s better to not get involved at all, rather than risk doing something the “wrong way.”
Yes, there are experts in our society. And yes, there are very real barriers that keep people – especially groups of marginalized individuals – from being able to participate fully in various advocacy processes. But this just provides even more reason as to why it’s so critical to participate, break down barriers, and show up for home. This is work we can’t do alone.
When we add more voices to this work, we can learn from each other, bring others to the table who might not have been included before, and work collectively to achieve our vision that all people have a home. As Beacon’s new President and CEO Chris LaTondresse likes to quote, “faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.” We may feel small and alone at first, but together we can bring transformative change!
What are the main issues we’re advocating for?
So, now that you’re joining us on this Beacon journey, you’re probably asking: What are we advocating for? Being a nonprofit affordable housing developer and owner, Beacon cares greatly about, and advocates for, affordable housing across the state.
The issue of housing is big and complex. As such, there are many sub-issues and policy concerns that must be addressed. One key focus to our work at Beacon is providing supportive housing – affordable homes coupled with services and rooted in support for those with the greatest unmet needs.
Supportive housing is a critical lifeline for many individuals who may struggle with disabilities, substance disorders, or may have otherwise faced chronic homelessness. Together, we advocate for the funding and creation of more supportive homes in our communities.
Beacon also advocates for many other related housing policies that impact anyone living at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (about $37,000 a year for a family of four). This is the group of people who benefit the most from accessing affordable housing.
Some related policies at this level could be seen as advocating for more housing choice vouchers to make the rent affordable, standing against housing discrimination, or pushing for increased funding for affordable housing developments. Specifically, as a collaborative, we’ve advocated for home through campaign initiatives such as Bring it Home, Minnesota and Unlock the Metro.
What are some common advocacy actions that Beacon takes?
Advocacy can look different depending upon the issue, the political environment, or even the various strategic visions of leaders in each movement.
At Beacon, we value taking risks. That value has led our collaborative towards taking more public displays of advocacy, including but not limited to:
- Speaking out publicly, via speeches or written letters;
- Planning and hosting advocacy rallies at the Minnesota State Capitol;
- Asking policy makers to directly support various bills or campaign initiatives;
- Expressing support at critical moments in public discussion, such as land use and zoning votes;
- Sending postcards to elected officials to advocate for important funds and policy change.
Centering Those Most Impacted
Whenever we work alongside others, it’s important for us to remember that we’re not the only ones involved, or even impacted, by any one specific thing. A mentor of mine reminded me a few years ago that if we “center the people who are most impacted” in all things, it is often very difficult to go wrong.
Advocating for yourself is important but advocating for yourself and others, while intentionally centering the individuals who are most impacted, can be transformative on multiple levels.
We know it’s important to be led by the voices of those we look to serve. To do this work well, leaders and movements must be in relationship and share power with the people who have often been denied access to power in one way or another. We know that the housing crisis impacts all of us, and especially affects our neighbors of color who have been locked out of home due to years of racist policies.
By advocating together, we become stronger and more impactful in our efforts to see positive change take place around us.
What Can I Do Now?
There are multiple ways to take action through Beacon in 2024 and beyond. First, if you would like to learn the ways you and your congregation can collaborate with Beacon, email Emily Goldthwaite at egoldthwaite@beaconinterfaith.org, Director of Congregational Organizing, to start a conversation.
Next, you can join us in sending a postcard to your elected officials. Click here to download your own 2024 Policy Postcard.
Finally, you can take your first steps with Beacon by attending a Beacon 101 session with Craig Freeman, or by showing up at our monthly Rent is Due: Day of Action policy call.
Daunting as it can seem, becoming a housing advocate is really as easy as simply showing up and asking a question. To learn more (especially about our Bring it Home, Minnesota, campaign), please feel free to reach out to me at molson@beaconinterfaith.org, anyone named here already, or click here to explore more about Beacon.
