Key Insights
Why did Tara Raghuveer choose tenant organizing as her career path?
She's obsessed with power and finds the imbalance between tenants and landlords compelling.
What is the primary goal of the KC Tenants union?
To build a strong union and change material reality, including potentially a world without rent.
What is the significance of the rent strike Tara is currently involved in?
It aims to attack landlords with federal loans and seek federal rent caps at 3%, new ownership, and collectively bargained leases.
How does Tara define a tenant?
She includes renters, working-class homeowners (bank tenants), and unhoused people as tenants at large.
What are the conditions like in the buildings where the rent strikes are taking place?
They are described as horrible, with issues like mold, rodents, asbestos, and unsafe living conditions.
Why is moving not a viable solution for many tenants in poor conditions?
There is no place to go for poor people, and moving is expensive due to costs like moving services, security deposits, and first and last month's rent.
What is Tara's vision for the future of tenant organizing?
She envisions a national tenant union federation and encourages people to organize their neighbors anytime.
How does Tara view the role of storytelling in her work?
She believes storytelling is crucial for understanding power dynamics and contesting the enemy's story.
What does Tara want out of her life and career?
She wants to win materially better conditions for tenants and explore creative pursuits like music, art, design, and fashion.
Chapters
- Tenant unions are like labor unions but for renters.
- They recognize that collective power is stronger than individual power.
- Tenant unions aim to shift the power dynamics between tenants and landlords.
Shownotes Transcript