Discussion: Poverty
links to Articles exploring Poverty
The Crossing
By Todd Schwartz 
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The Myth of the Culture of Poverty
Paul Gorski |
Discussion Series for Mentors
Facilitated by Pam Quinn & Joseph Gainza
a mini-series of conversations about poverty
“Poverty is not an accident, like slavery and apartheid, it is man made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.”
- Nelson Mandela
Notes from the second Poverty Discussion January 4, 2017
Facilitated by Pam Quinn & Joseph Gainza
a mini-series of conversations about poverty
“Poverty is not an accident, like slavery and apartheid, it is man made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.”
- Nelson Mandela
Notes from the second Poverty Discussion January 4, 2017
Observations:
Whether your mentee lives in poverty, or you are just interested in learning more about the impact of poverty in our communities, this discussion series will explore:
·The impact of poverty in our communities on families, schools, youth, parents, and mentors.
· The role of mentors in responding to poverty issues with our mentees and in our communities.
·The impact mentoring can have in breaking the cycle of poverty.
- There is a fine line between respecting the way of life of the family and planting seeds for opportunity;
- We are successful because we were told we could be what we wanted to be – we can do this as mentors;
- The mentor is primarily a friend – not a social worker, a caregiver or a “fix-it” person.
Whether your mentee lives in poverty, or you are just interested in learning more about the impact of poverty in our communities, this discussion series will explore:
·The impact of poverty in our communities on families, schools, youth, parents, and mentors.
· The role of mentors in responding to poverty issues with our mentees and in our communities.
·The impact mentoring can have in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Notes from the First Poverty Discussion October 5, 2016
Community members and mentors came together to discuss how poverty plays into their roles as mentors. These are the highlights of the group brainstorm.
Community members and mentors came together to discuss how poverty plays into their roles as mentors. These are the highlights of the group brainstorm.
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One thing I will STOP doing...
Hoping that things will just work out Judging Having expectations to break the poverty cycle overnight Being agnostic about poverty in the community Ignoring Making assumptions about menthe's life (positive & negative) Worrying if I am doing it right Offering my input when it might not be needed Underestimating the complexity of the issue of poverty Being annoyed when someone I know is poor has something I do not have Assuming One thing I will KEEP doing... Mentoring Modeling kind & compassionate behavior with mentee Feeling hopeful Being available for mentee Offering new experiences to mentee Thinking about ways that poverty holds us all from being all that we can be Being open and compassionate Being Kind Showing respect Talking about the future Showing up Asking questions Sharing my personal experience with poverty One thing I will START doing... Encourage mentee to make future plans Have conversations with mentee about poverty issues Talk about the future Be a consistent presence in mentees life Trust the process Think about poverty in the work I do and how it affects kids Write to legislators who control the flow of money Gathering more information about solutions Stop to think about poverty before I assume Be more understanding Ask mentee about hopes for the future Challenge stereotypes Find time Care more |
Resources from Discussion
Books: -Beans of Egypt Maine by Carolyn Chute -Welfare Brat by Mary Childers -Helping Children Succeed by Paul Tough -The Working Poor by David Shipler Podcasts: -When the Food Runs Out - Rumble Strip -Equal Standing in the Lunch Line - Morning Edition |
