by Dennis Fischman in Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Politics
Posted on July 1, 2008 at 10:27 am
Last Modified on July 1, 2008 at 10:30 am
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Who says all summer reading lists have to be filled with fluff? CAAS, the Community Action Agency of Somerville, is offering a summer reading list about poor people and people rising out of poverty–and what we can all do to help.
“There is something on this list for every reader,” said Dennis Fischman, Planning Director at CAAS. “If you love novels and short stories, or if memoirs or poetry appeal to you, or if you prefer to read reporting or social science, the 2008 summer reading list contains excellent suggestions. All of them tell the most dramatic story—the struggle to end poverty—in compelling and sometimes beautiful ways.”
To obtain a copy of the list, go to www.caasomerville.org/contact. Send a message that includes the words “summer reading list.” Or, call Dennis Fischman at (617) 623-7370 x105.
CAAS is the Community Action Agency of Somerville, Somerville’s designated anti-poverty agency. The mission of CAAS is to reduce poverty among local families and individuals while working to counteract, and whenever possible eliminate, the societal conditions that cause and perpetuate poverty. For more information about CAAS, see www.caasomerville.org.
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Instead of reading about it, how about just living it? Let me give you a hint. The government won’t ever get a person OUT of poverty – only the person – working hard – can do that.
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Imux, you’re ignoring two big points. One: the government, acting on our behalf, has already gotten millions of people out of poverty. Social security has lifted elders above the poverty level. The GI Bill and federal scholarships and loans have sent people to college, enabling them to earn a higher income. Even the meager package of food stamps, housing and child care subsidies, and cash assistance that the government offers has helped some people out of poverty–though not enough.
Second: a person can work VERY hard and not get out of poverty. Next week, the federal minimum wage goes up to $6.55/hour. Let’s say a person works 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year at the federal minimum wage. Their gross income will be a whopping $13,100. But the federal poverty level for a family of three is $17,600. For a family of four, it’s $21,200. A single parent can work full-time at minimum wage and not even come close to supporting their family at the poverty level–let alone getting out of poverty. It takes the person’s effortsAND the society’s to end poverty.
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