Ways to Reduce Poverty — Revisited
All of you who went through the Thriving Communities conversations last fall and spring may remember that part of the discussions focused on how communities could actively address poverty reduction. As new folks have joined in Horizons activities, I’ve noticed some folks who didn’t participate in those conversations ask, what specifically can we do to reduce poverty? what are other community’s doing?
Read more here…
So, the timing seemed right to re-visit the Thriving Community Guide and what it offered us as approaches to dealing with poverty reduction. There are six approaches identified and I’ll cover one a day for the next week. If there is something happening in your community that gives an example of how the approach is being implemented, feel free to add you thoughts and comment.
Approach 1: Focus on early childhood, youth, and schools.
More young people live in poverty than adults. When people grow up in poverty, they are more likely to stay in poverty. We must work to meet children’s basic needs.
Ideas for implementation:
- provide low-cost or free meals at school and during out-of-school activities
- have adults mentor youth on life skills and homework
- personally invite new families and families with young children to school and community activities so they can become familiar with community resources
- create and support youth advisory councils/committees so youth can learn to have a voice in decisions that effect their future
- provide low-cost or free out-of-school activities (for example: sports programs, arts, civic engagement, etc.)
- create a seasonal exchange program at the schools (like sporting equipment, coats, musical instruments)
What else is your community doing that would fit under this approach? Let us know!
For the full text of the Thriving Community Guide, please access Everyday Democracy (formerly known as Study Circle Resource Center) at this web link: