Update: These webinars have passed, but slides and other materials are available. Download the materials from the Engaging Residents in Voter Activities webinar from this page. Download materials from the webinar on the Rental Assistance Demonstration from this page.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition has two great webinars coming up next week that will provide important information for residents, tenants, and low income housing advocates.

The first webinar, on Monday, September 17 at 4 pm ET, “Engaging Low Income Residents in Voter Activities,” features three panelists who will help nonprofit organizations, resident groups and resident leaders learn how to register, educate and mobilize low income voters for the November 6 election and beyond.

As discussed in the Winter 2011 issue of Tenant Talk,  voter turnout among traditionally underrepresented voters- minorities, renters and young people- increased in the 2008 presidential election, but there is still room for improvement. Register for our webinar and learn how to help drive voter turnout and strengthen American democracy.

The second webinar, on Tuesday, September 18 at 4 pm ET, is called “Rental Assistance Demonstration: What Residents and Advocates Need to Know Now.” The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) will allow a limited number of public housing agencies (PHAs) to apply to convert public housing units to long-term Project-Based Section 8 units. Public housing residents and advocates can- and should- engage with PHAs to ensure the best possible outcomes from RAD. This webinar will feature guest speakers from HUD, who will explain how RAD will work. NLIHC’s own Ed Gramlich will explain why it’s so important for residents to be part of the RAD application process, and lay out simple steps to get involved. We encourage all public housing residents, resident group members and leaders, and interested advocates to register for this webinar.

We’re strong believers in the need for constituent advocates to hold leaders accountable for meeting the housing needs of low income people. Webinars like these are one way we empower advocacy. If you’ve got an idea for a webinar, let us know in the comments.