How does organizing make a difference?
Hundreds of affordable homes in JP, including the JPNDC developments below, would never have been built without people speaking out, attending community meetings, writing letters, and sometimes protesting.
- Pondview Apartments
- Rockvale Circle
- Betsaida Gutierrez Cooperative Apartments, Sister Virginia Mulhern House, and Creighton Commons (all on the former Blessed Sacrament Campus)
- Nate Smith House
- Jackson Square Redevelopment Initiative
- Hattie Kelton Apartments
- Hyde Square Cooperative
- Forest Glen Cooperative
- Catherine Gallagher Cooperative
- Francis Grady Apartments
You can learn more about these in JPNDC’s real estate portfolio.
We know we can’t achieve change alone, so JPNDC works on city and statewide campaigns for policy changes promoting affordable housing and economic justice.
In 2016, JPNDC campaigned for voter approval of the Community Preservation Act in Boston (creating a small surcharge on property taxes to fund affordable housing, open space and historic preservation). The approval rate in Jamaica Plain was the highest of any Boston neighborhood!
In 2017, we joined with Rise Up Mass to collect signatures for ballot initiatives to raise the minimum wage and ensure family and medical leave. JPNDC members, board and staff and members collected 1,100 petition signatures–a MUCH greater percentage of total signatures collected than our neighborhood’s portion of the state’s population! The legislature and governor were compelled to act and our state is now on its way to a $15 minimum wage.
Many of the people who go through our leadership trainings have gone on to become leaders and change-makers in their organizations, buildings and neighborhoods.
In a diverse and changing neighborhood, bringing people together to paint murals, plant flowers or barbecue hot dogs builds trust and friendship. JPNDC organizes dozens of activities each year to promote fun — which makes it easier for people to solve problems together too!
Community Organizing Impact
“Washington Street Site Lands in Community Hands of JPNDC,” Jamaica Plain Gazette, January 25, 2020
“Tenant organization’s fight for City resources to quell violence starts to pay off,” Jamaica Plain Gazette, December 8, 2017
“JPNDC Peace Rally Drums Up Support,” Jamaica Plain Gazette, August 29, 2014
“Worthy Battle for Homeless Ends in Victory,” Adrian Walker, The Boston Globe, December 10, 2012 (what led to Francis Grady Apartments)
“A Changing Church,” The Boston Globe, July 1, 2005
“Fix It or Sell It,” The Boston Globe, June 2, 1992 (what led to the Nate Smith House)
Find ways to get involved here.
Organizing Campaigns and Activities
Question 1 will mean fairer taxes and more money for education and infrastructure. Learn more about this campaign.
We’re supporting Jackson Square building captains and their JS LOVS (Lifting Our Voices for Safety) campaign. For information, contact Cristal at [email protected]
JPNDC has worked hard to protect local businesses from real estate speculation. Stay tuned for updates.
WHY COMMUNITY ORGANIZING?
Because when people get organized, they can make a difference.
Inequality is growing in our country and that trend is evident in our community and our city.
Immigrants, always part of our community, are facing growing threats.
Working together for equity is the only way we’ll achieve it.
WHY JPNDC?
Because we’re grounded in our community and we have a track record of getting results.
More than half of the affordable homes JPNDC has developed grew out of organizing by tenants, neighbors and allies.
We use a popular education approach that recognizes and builds on the experience, knowledge and skills of people who aren’t usually included in leadership.
We welcome and work with anyone who embraces diversity and wants to make our community a better place.