At last week’s legislative victory party, we asked our members and allies and friends and family and donors:
What did you do to help pass the Housing Not Warehousing Act?
Here are some of the highlights of what they said:
> I got arrested
> I slept in the cold, rain, and all that Mother Nature gave
> I counted vacant buildings and lots when the city refused to do so
> I recruited organizations to endorse
> I wrote op-eds and articles
> I tweeted a lot
> I chanted til I couldn’t chant no more
> I lost my voice
> I did whatever was asked of me
> I engaged in strategic devilry.
> I provided material support to members & leaders & organizers
> I did data entry
> I danced my butt off at Picture the Homeless fundraiser parties
> I made calls to mobilize people to attend events
> I did research for projects
> I was part of Bloombergville, the inspiration for Occupy Wall Street
> I contacted my City Council Members
> I shared information with friends and neighbors so THEY contacted THEIR Council Members
> I went to City Council meetings
> I lobbied Council members
> I went to press conferences
> I met with ally organizations to educate them about the bill and get their support
> I showed up
> I helped wherever help was needed
> I took pictures at protests
> I popped some locks
> I participated in building takeovers
> I met with and learned from homesteaders in NYC and beyond
> I trained other homeless people in how to fight for their rights
> I educated myself about the legislative process
> I carried signs at protests and marches
> I spoke at rallies
> I did online research into property ownership
> I protested big banks like Chase that owned vacant property
> I disrupted speeches by politicians blocking our bill
> I brought City Council members to a halt with a series of targeted disruptions
> I handed out flyers at soup kitchens
> I traveled across the country to learn from other successful efforts
> I collaborated with Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer to count every single vacant building and lot in the borough
> I spoke to college classes to mobilize volunteers
> I testified at City Council hearings
> I made a million phone calls
> I put pressure on the people whose job it was to pass this bill
> I sat for SIX HOURS in a City Council meeting to support this legislation when it came to a vote
> I went to City Hall A LOT
> I met with individual Council Members
> I participated in PTH visioning sessions for vacant spaces