Basis of Unity

Vision:
The Red Tent Campaign is a Canada wide campaign that invites the participation of all persons and organizations wishing to end homelessness in Canada. Anyone who supports the Basis of Unity is welcome to become involved with ongoing initiatives, or to download images and use rent tent materials, graphics and messages to undertake initiatives of their own.

Goal:
To persuade the federal government to enact a funded National Housing Strategy that will end homelessness and ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for all persons living in Canada.

Strategy:
To use red tents and like items as symbols on the streets and in the media to draw attention to Canada’s homelessness crisis, educate the public about the need for a funded national housing strategy and mobilize people across the country to pressure government to take action on homelessness.

Principles:
Non-Violence: a commitment to peaceful protest and resistance and tactics that do not lead to harm to people or destruction of property.

Non-exploitation: the empowerment and genuine participation of people who are homeless, working to ensure their safety and working from a foundation of respect for their experiences, perspectives and needs.

Collaboration: actively encouraging individuals and organizations from different sectors and regions passionate about ending Canada’s housing crisis to coordinate and work together.   

Inclusion: minimizing barriers to participation in the campaign and tolerating differences in perspectives and approaches as long as communication and activities are undertaken in a respectful and non-discriminatory way.  

Unifying Themes
The unifying themes of the campaign are (1) a basic design framework of a red background and white lettering (2) key messages “Housing is a Right” and “End Homelessness Now!” and (3) a commitment to promoting the goals of the campaign in a creative, and visually engaging manner.

If you or your organization would like to sign onto the Basis of Unity and become a member, please Contact Us!