Poverty: A Way Forward?

The question facing communities across the country and right here in Southeastern Michigan is:

"When you have so much need in so many areas, how do you make progress?"

Many private organizations (foundations, United Ways...) and public institutions (City governments, State governments...) are reaching similar conclusions.

• Focus efforts and resources against an agreed set of priorities
• Work together instead of in silos
• Cross the geographic, social, racial and economic barriers
• Measure your work and results
• Build on what we know --- through research and experience
• Make sure all are welcome

There is a powerful description of this in action in the New York Times on the recent report by Mayor Bloomberg's Commission on Economic Opportunity who were charged by the Mayor to eradicate poverty in New York City. The commission is being led by Richard Parsons, the chairman of Time Warner and Geoffrey Canada, who runs Harlem Children's Zone, one of the most recognized anti-poverty programs in the country. They looked locally, nationally and internationally for the best work, strongest research, and the most promising practices in order to put forth recommendations. Their conclusions put focus on three populations

1. Young Children
2. Young Adults
3. Working Poor

Immediately, the report caused worries that the recommendations don't include other pivotal populations --- like the elderly, unemployed and homeless. Yet, Merryl Tisch, chairwoman of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, called the focusing of efforts "realistic." "You can't do everything in one fell swoop," she said.

The work of United Way today is striving to bring focus on areas within the region that citizens feel great progress is possible. The journey of focus is reaching out through traditional and non-traditional channels to ensure the voices of residents are heard and included.

For example, click here to listen to one mom describe the future she desires for her children.

To read the article on the work in New York City, click here.