WHAT CAN WE DO? Think about some of the action ideas we talked about in Session Four. Where do they fit in here?
Poverty is a big problem. There are many ways to begin. Different people and groups can work together. One person can take action. In some cases, the whole community or government should take the lead. All of these steps can fit together to create change.
On our own, we can… Help people directly.
With our neighbors, or in small groups, we can…
Notice that some people look OK on the outside but are not getting by.
Mentor young people.
Buy from local businesses.
Call for affordable housing.
Write letters to the editor or town council.
Donate food to the food pantry.
Learn more about poverty and talk to others.
Volunteer to build or repair homes.
Offer jobs that pay enough to live on.
Remember we all have something to offer.
Help someone who needs child care. Talk together about what we think should be done. Plant community gardens for food and beauty. What else?
What else?
As a community, or with government, we can… Get the state to support local credit unions.
Start a “neighborhood watch” program.
Work to stop abuse of drugs and alcohol.
Make sure people get services they need.
Teach youth how to budget and how to handle money.
Help people pay fuel bills.
Work to make sure that new businesses provide decent wages and benefits for employees. Hold an event that shows our area is a good place to do business.
Work to preserve or expand programs for the poor. Help people fill out tax forms. Stop unfair lending.
Provide shelter for the homeless.
Thriving Communities
Everyday democracy
What else?
www.everyday-democracy.org
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