What can we do about it?

For those of us that are not currently struggling with economic poverty, how do we engage this issue and work so our society better serves the economically vulnerable, those in asset poverty, and those living below the poverty line?   

Before offering some of these suggestions for what we can do on a day to day basis, I do want to acknowledge directly, these are very complex issues.  I have not addressed many issues that can exacerbate economic poverty such as mental health/disabilities, veteran status, homelessness, institutional racism, drug/alcohol abuse (which could fall under mental health), criminal record, domestic violence, and I am sure a huge number of other issues I am not thinking of at the moment.  The idea is simply to increase some general awareness and start to think about the issue.  These are my opinions, those from my studies, and from friends living below the poverty line.  

So on that note, what can we do on a daily basis?

• Be aware of not speaking too harshly of those struggling to get out of poverty, “welfare mom” or “lazy bum” are just a few examples that come to mind.  It is impossible for any of us to ever fully understand what another is going through, so let's give each other the benefit of the doubt.

• Try to be aware of our own wants versus needs.  Sure, we may want that $6.00 box of cereal but what if we opt for oatmeal for a week and use the difference to buy a nutritious box of cereal for our local food bank.

• When donating food, donate what we would eat.  Don’t give away that expired can of disgusting cream of mushroom, if we are eating organic vegetable beef – why not donate a can of that?  Sure, Ramen is cheap, but what is the nutritional value?

• Money votes.  Spend money at locations that we know pay a living wage and support local businesses that are employing folks in our area trying to rise above the poverty line.

• If you are ‘the boss,’  be understanding of your entry level staff who may be living on the edge.  If you are making minimum wage, finding a babysitter who will watch your sick kid that is home from school may cost you more than you make in that same time period.

• Volunteer!  There are many great organizations that try to provide lasting poverty alleviation programs in every community – food banks are a great start.  Especially January through March, when the holiday giving has passed, many of these places could use your time and talent. 

• Seek opportunities to connect with those living in a different economic situation, whether through volunteer efforts or church involvements; be open to meeting and hearing from people who struggle to meet their daily needs.  Don’t go to ‘save’ but to learn, meet, and walk alongside.   

• To some degree, the deep divide between the ‘have’s and the ‘have not’s in our society enables that imbalance to continue to exist.  Look on the other side of the tracks, freeway, or that street that many of us are told not to cross.  We all share more similarities than differences and once we acknowledge that, perhaps we can better work together to all enjoy a higher standard of life. 

• Continue learning about poverty issues and remain educated on challenges those living in poverty face.

These are some suggestions I have received from others and/or read/seen:
Nickeled and Dimed (Book)
Skip Row (Movie - available on netflix)
There Are No Children Here (Book)

Fresh (Movie)
Menace II Society (Movie)
Amazing Grace (Book)
Rachel and Her Children (Book)
Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools (Book)
The Working Poor (Book)
Taking the Initiative (TV)