Poverty Truth Commission
| When |
Mar 21, 2009
from 02:03 PM to 05:03 PM |
|---|---|
| Where | Glasgow |
| Contact Name | Paul Chapman |
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Poverty is a disease that afflicts an ever-expanding body of the nation���s population; yet not enough is being done to eliminate the causes of this affliction. Policies seek to alleviate the symptoms, but even these are designed without the participation of those who bear the immediate burden of poverty. Those who are struggling against poverty are usually not at the table where decisions are made that affect them directly. This in itself is one of the causes of poverty. The real ���experts��� are not being heard except perhaps when violence or tragedy afflicts their neighbourhoods.
At the Poverty Truth Commission people who have grown up in the context of poverty will testify to the realities they have faced and still face ��� telling a bit about their own daily struggles while attempting to break the stereotypes by which they are often known. In their testimonies they will move beyond the hurdles they have faced to describe their hopes for the future and their resolve to work to overcome poverty not only in Scotland but throughout the world.
They will call on the community leaders not only to ���walk in their shoes��� but to join with them in building the kind of world when all people can reach their full potential.
Following the testimonies there will be an opportunity for participants to meet and talk with the testifiers and other people from poor areas, to hear more stories and to learn from individuals and organisations that are in this struggle. There will be a marketplace of grassroots anti-poverty organisations and an opportunity for everyone present to talk about what they have heard and to get involved with others in the struggle.
By excluding certain segments of the population, the nation overlooks the very resources that are essential to building a just society. The resilient people in the valiant struggle against poverty contribute insight, passion and hope to all of us. The goal of the Poverty Truth Commission is to tap into this rich resource as well as contribute strength to an emerging network of people ��� both those in poverty and other people of good will ��� joining together to build a more equitable society.
To register for the event, please email your name and contact information (address, phone, email) to Paul Chapman or write to him at 759a Argyle St., Glasgow G3 8DS.
