Are you Ready to Fight for Your Home?

We may not be able to lead your fight, but we can certainly have your back!

ONLINE PETITIONS:

Housing Justice League's online petition tool is a great way to get your story out there and build support for your campaign.

You can easily share your petitions with your friends and family and try to get as many signatures as you can!

Using the built-in tools, you can email supporters and ask them to take action, print out a paper petition to collect signatures in person or print a stack of signatures to deliver to your target.

TIPS FOR A STRONG PETITION:

  • Keep your description short and simple. Clear sentences are the most persuasive. Try to keep it to 3-5 paragraphs.

  • Although it is helpful to explain what you’ve been through, technical details will not strengthen your story. Explain how you have been wronged, but keep the jargon to a minimum.

  • Direct your petition to the person who actually has the power to help you. The CEO of the bank that holds your mortgage, or the owner of your apartment community would be a good example.

  • Try to answer questions like “Why did you choose this house”, “What does the neighborhood mean to you” or think about specific memories that took place in the home.

  • Stay strong. Resentful and cynical stabs at the landlord/bank might feel good in the short term but it’s not always the best way to mobilize people to be on your side.

  • Quotes are powerful. Try to add a quote from a family member or neighbor about the value of your home. Add a picture is one of the most important things you can do. It helps to put a face to the story and is more likely to be shared online using social media.

SHARING THE PETITION:

Your Petition is only as powerful as the number of signatures you get. Explain to people what you’re doing and why it is important to you. You will be surprised how many people will support you if you ask. Here some things you can do to share your petition:

  1. Send the link to every email in your address book. Don’t just ask them to sign it, but also to forward it to their friends.

  2. Post your petition on social media. Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, Instagram are good places to start. If you don’t use social media, you should start. These tools are invaluable for sharing information.

  3. Make phone calls and send text messages to people you know and ask them to sign. Print out a paper version of the petition and take it with you to church, school, or any other place where you think you could get a lot of signatures.

  4. Ask 10 people you know to get 10 signatures each from their friends.

  5. Keep a copy of the petition in your purse or briefcase. You never know when you’ll get into a conversation with someone who supports you.

  6. Keep a copy of the petition in your purse or briefcase. You never know when you’ll get into conversation with someone who supports you.

Now that you’ve launched your campaign and started building support, you can start thinking about next steps. Think of your petition and signers as your online base. Use the tools available to keep your supporters engaged and updated with what’s going on in your fight. Do a phone blast and ask everyone to make a call to the property owner or bank CEO. Dozens of calls regarding your case in a single day will definitely get their attention.