Membership - Douglass Community Land Trust

Douglass Community Land Trust Membership

Why is the Douglass Community Land Trust a Membership Organization?

The membership structure of the Douglass CLT is designed to shore up organizational sustainability and the ability to provide stewardship to properties in the land trust in perpetuity. Because members have legal standing to correct course if the organization goes astray, they serve as guardians for the community and make sure everyone benefits from the community development generations from now.

MISSION: The Douglass Community Land Trust plants the roots of affordability, security and prosperity for current and future generations. We enable the inclusive and equitable development and preservation of permanently affordable housing, local small business and other public assets through community ownership of land, today.

Douglass CLT Values & Beliefs:

DC residents have a Right to Stay and Thrive: Residents and small businesses of the District are our greatest strength and have the right to remain and benefit from development.
Community Control: Power and decision-making belong in the hands of members of the community.
Nonstop Affordability for Housing: Quality housing should always be accessible to everyone at a level that is affordable to their household and doesn’t take up the majority of their income.
High Quality, Healthy Spaces: Health is an outcome of quality, affordable homes and means embracing the environment as an asset- maximizing sustainable building and operating practices that benefit the building residents, community members and the environment.
Household Asset Building: Building financial assets for families and individuals is critical to their ability to participate in the existing market.
Operational Excellence: Transparent and effective operations that are financially sound ensures Douglass CLT will be in place to steward the programs and public resources, manage assets, and forge intentional partnerships in perpetuity, as decided by the community.

Right & Powers of Members

Participate in community decision-making and self-empowerment
Communicate community needs and wants to the organization
Add your voice to a standing or special project committee
Expanded network, leadership training and opportunities
Awareness of changing and relevant community trends

Responsibilities of Members:

Agree to Douglass CLT mission and values
Keep the organization true to the mission
Choose your level of participation – at a minimum:
- Attend the annual members meeting
- Vote for the board of directors
Advocate to the public, the DC government and in your network
Pay dues UNLESS WAIVED
Share skills and experiences

Opportunities to Volunteer

Help get the word out
Help find more properties
Help set up events
Research and writing
I want to share my personal experience
I have limited time right now, but keep me on a list for future opportunities!
I have skills to volunteer in (this can be anything, like graphic design, accounting, social media, advocacy, organizing, finance – you name it)