Podcast Title: So True with Caleb Hearon
Host: Caleb Hearon
Guest: Tara Raghuveer
Episode: Tara Raghuveer is Lowering Your Rent
Release Date: October 24, 2024

I. Introduction to Tara Raghuveer and KC Tenants

Caleb Hearon welcomes Tara Raghuveer, a dedicated political organizer and the driving force behind KC Tenants, the citywide tenant union in Kansas City. Tara provides an overview of what a tenant union entails and the importance of collective action among tenants.

Notable Quote:
Tara [05:05]: "A tenant union is kind of like a labor union. A bunch of neighbors get together and they recognize that we're stronger together than we are as individuals."

II. Understanding Tenant Unions

Tara delves deeper into the concept of tenant unions, drawing parallels to labor unions. She emphasizes the strength that comes from collective action, especially when confronting landlords who may neglect their responsibilities.

Notable Quote:
Tara [05:26]: "Together in a union we have a lot of power. And fundamentally a tenant's power is their rent."

III. The Current Rent Strikes

The conversation shifts to the ongoing rent strikes orchestrated by KC Tenants. Tara explains the primary objectives, including federal rent caps of 3% annually, securing new ownership for buildings with federal loans, and establishing collectively bargained leases.

Notable Quote:
Tara [10:03]: "We're seeking federal rent caps at 3%. We want new ownership in these buildings that are on strike, and we want collectively bargained leases."

IV. Conditions Leading to Rent Strikes

Tara paints a vivid picture of the dire conditions tenants face, citing examples like mold, asbestos, rodent infestations, and even tragic incidents such as a child falling from an eighth-story window. These conditions underscore the urgent need for tenant organization.

Notable Quote:
Tara [13:13]: "Our neighbors live like this. In every community in this country, our neighbors, working class people live in conditions like this and are paying more money than they've ever paid before. It's robbery."

V. Challenges in Organizing Across Political Lines

One of the standout moments is Tara’s recounting of organizing efforts in a trailer park predominantly occupied by Trump voters. Despite initial reservations, the tenant union successfully united a diverse group of tenants, highlighting the universal desire for fair and safe housing.

Notable Quote:
Tara [28:27]: "We had this great campaign where by the end of it, some of these Trump voters were joining their neighbors in chanting, 'homes, not jails.'"

VI. Building Community Through Tenant Unions

Beyond the primary goal of improving housing conditions, Tara discusses the secondary benefits of tenant unions, such as fostering genuine community bonds, enhancing empathy, and breaking down societal divisions. Caleb shares his personal experiences of building relationships with neighbors through tenant union activities.

Notable Quote:
Caleb [32:14]: "When you remove it from the national context and put it into the context of the person sitting across from me who's trying to help me not get evicted from my home, that starts to make a lot more sense."

VII. The Power of Storytelling in Organizing

Tara and Caleb highlight the significance of storytelling in tenant organizing. Tara credits her ability to tell compelling stories as a key factor in the success of KC Tenants, enabling them to effectively communicate their struggles and rally support.

Notable Quote:
Caleb [46:44]: "If you were a bad storyteller, you would be a lot less effective organizer... your ability to tell stories as beautifully and succinctly as you do is the hallmark of the union."

VIII. Interactive Trivia Segment

In a light-hearted segment, Caleb quizzes Tara with trivia questions. This portion showcases the camaraderie between the host and guest, providing a break from the intense discussions on tenant rights.

Notable Quote:
Caleb [50:03]: "If you get 10 or more correct, we're going to give you 50 US dollars."

IX. Closing Remarks and Calls to Action

As the episode wraps up, Tara encourages listeners to support tenant unions by visiting kctenants.org and following the National Tenant Union Federation on various social media platforms. Caleb announces an upcoming benefit show to support their cause, featuring special guests and performances.

Notable Quote:
Tara [64:40]: "For updates on the rent strike and all things National Tenant Union Federation, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and tenantfederation.org."

Key Takeaways:

• Tenant Unions Empower Tenants: Collective action amplifies tenants' voices, making it easier to negotiate with landlords and push for better living conditions.

• Rent Strikes as a Strategic Tool: Organized rent strikes can pressure both landlords and governmental bodies to enact policies that protect tenants, such as rent caps.

• Building Community is Crucial: Beyond addressing housing issues, tenant unions foster strong community bonds, enhancing empathy and reducing societal divisions.

• Storytelling Enhances Organizing: Effective storytelling is essential for conveying tenants' struggles and uniting diverse groups under a common cause.

• Support and Involvement: Listeners are encouraged to support tenant unions through donations, participation in events, and spreading awareness.

Resources Mentioned:

• KC Tenants: kctenants.org
• National Tenant Union Federation: Tenantfed on Instagram, Twitter, tenantfederation.org

Upcoming Events:

• Benefit Show in Kansas City: November 23rd at the Midland, featuring guests like Beth Stelling and The Salvation Choir.

Stay tuned to So True with Caleb Hearon for more insightful conversations on pressing social issues and the real stories behind community movements.