The Rise of TOA

About

TOA (Tenant Organizers & Advocates) is not just an organization; it is a testament to the power of resilience, unity, and unwavering dedication to housing justice. Our story begins with Violet, TOA’s Founder and Executive Director. Violet's strength and commitment to serving her community have not wavered through all the struggles and adversity she has faced and continues to face. She is a proud woman of color, a single mother, a mentor, a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Award, a fierce advocate, and a caring soul.

In September 2023, Violet was confronted with one of her most adversarial moments; she got knocked down, but she did not waver—she got back up.

Through countless conversations with the community, they helped turn her struggles into energy, her sorrows into strength, her words into thoughts, and her thoughts into actions. Those actions were executed by volunteers from the community who, despite all the adversity they have faced and continue to face, remained dedicated to housing justice and serving tenants. Violet never stopped, and the community never stopped. The community supported Violet as she rose from the ashes, calling upon other powerful women, men, mentors, networks, and fellow advocates to establish TOA, a name that means "strength" in Samoan.

The colors of TOA, Violet and Gold, symbolize our journey and the inspiration drawn from Violet. They represent our strength, our commitment to justice, and our unbreakable bond. Together, we are TOA, a beacon of hope, resilience, and advocacy for tenants' rights.

Our story is one of transformation and triumph. We stand united, stronger than ever, ready to fight for housing justice and empower tenants. Join us in our mission to create a fair and just housing system for all.

Together, we are TOA.
Together, we are strength.

Violet Lavatai: Founder and Executive Director of TOA

Violet’s Vision

Under Violet’s leadership, TOA (Tenant Organizers & Advocates) aims to build a housing system where tenants are empowered, and their voices are not only heard but prioritized. Her vision is a world where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing—strengthened by the support of their community. Through tireless efforts, she continues to ensure that tenants know their rights and have the resources and support to fight for them.

Recognition in Housing Advocacy

Violet’s work has not only changed lives but reshaped the housing justice landscape in Seattle. She consistently educates and supports young renters, standing against landlord abuses and pushing for policy reform. Through her leadership, TOA continues to provide vital resources and advocacy, fostering a future where equitable housing becomes a reality for all.

Violet Lavatai is more than an advocate; she is a force for transformation and a testament to the power of community-driven change.

About Violet

Violet Lavatai is a passionate advocate, dedicated leader, and powerful voice for tenants' rights and housing justice. Her journey into advocacy began through a personal experience of hardship when she and her son were forced to move in with family due to economic challenges.

This pivotal moment, like the many moments before, and the pivitol moments yet to come, fueled her commitment to empower communities and champion the rights of marginalized groups.

Accomplishments and Leadership

Violet’s community leadership took off during her involvement with Got Green, where she emerged as one of the organization’s most influential leaders. Through her participation in the Women in the Green Economy Project, Violet gained visibility as a fierce advocate, particularly in addressing issues of food access, economic inequality, and environmental justice.

She evolved from having no public speaking experience to engaging with legislators at the state level, while also mobilizing voters and women to participate in local elections.
Violet has an impact that has been felt across the housing landscape of her hometown, Seattle and the State of Washington.
Her leadership has been instrumental in educating renters about their rights and fighting against unjust landlord practices, particularly among young and inexperienced renters.

Key Achievements:

Tenant Empowerment and Leadership: Violet empowers others who had never voted to participate in local elections, contributing to a growing base of informed and active citizens.
Community Advocacy and Leadership: She has led protests advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and better housing rights, inspiring her community to find their voices and stand up for change.
Benson East Housing Development: Violet played a pivotal role in preserving affordable housing at Benson East, a Section 8 development in Kent, WA. She helped facilitate tenant governance, ensuring that tenants retained decision-making power in their homes. She continues to serve on the Benson East Neighborhood Association board, guiding the community through critical housing challenges.
MLK Mountaintop Award: In January 2023, Violet was honored with the prestigious Mountaintop Award at the MLK Prayer Breakfast for her unwavering dedication to community service and advocacy for housing justice.

MISSION

WHO WE ARE

We are TOA, a passionate and driven collective of advocates and community organizers.

WHAT WE DO

We provide legal advocacy, educational resources, and direct support to tenants, empowering them to stand up for their rights and secure equitable housing solutions.

We are a dedicated housing and social justice non-profit organization committed to protecting, advocating for, and transforming the housing industry. Our mission is to center the needs and rights of tenants, ensuring that every individual has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.

WHY WE DO IT

We believe that housing is a fundamental human right and that a just and equitable society can only be achieved when everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. We are driven by the vision of a housing industry that prioritizes the well-being of tenants over profits.

HOW WE BRING RESULTS

Through comprehensive advocacy, policy reform, and community engagement, we work to create systemic change in the housing sector. We collaborate with tenants to address injustices, support legislative efforts that protect tenant rights, and foster community-driven solutions to housing challenges. By centering the experiences and voices of tenants, we strive to build a more just and equitable housing landscape for all.