Cooperative with East Scarborough Tenant Union
The East Scarborough Tenants Union (ESTU) is a tenant-led organization dedicated to uniting residents to harness collective power, tackle housing issues, and enhance living conditions in their buildings and communities.
Founded on the belief that tenants can achieve far more through collective organization and action rather than facing challenges alone, the union empowers tenants to engage in meetings, voice their concerns, identify shared problems, explore potential solutions, and collectively determine the actions or campaigns to pursue.
At the building level, a building committee plays a crucial role in coordinating these efforts. Committee members foster connections with neighbours, promote participation, cultivate leadership among tenants, organize meetings and campaigns, and ensure that residents’ voices are heard.
The core principles outlined in your document emphasize democracy, tenant participation, collective decision-making, unity, respect, accountability, and prioritizing the well-being of tenants over individual interests.
I volunteer with the East Scarborough Tenants Union (ESTU) and participate in the Building Committee at 3434 Eglinton Ave. E.
ESTU is a tenant-led community organization that brings neighbours together to discuss housing concerns, understand tenants’ rights, and work collectively to improve living conditions.
As a volunteer and building committee member, I support activities such as
- Connecting with neighbours and listening to their housing concerns
- Sharing information about tenants’ rights and available community resources
- Participating in building meetings and tenant discussions
- Helping organize and engage residents in community activities
- Supporting tenants experiencing maintenance, rent, or housing-related concerns
- Helping identify common issues affecting residents
- Encouraging tenants to participate and have a voice in decisions that affect their homes
- Supporting collective advocacy and campaigns for safer, fairer, and more affordable housing
Community & Leadership
Through this volunteer work, I am developing my skills in community engagement, advocacy, communication, teamwork, leadership, and organizing.
I believe strong communities are created when neighbours communicate, support one another, and work together to make sure every tenant has an opportunity to be heard.
