Blog Action Day: Thoughts on Poverty
Some of the most satisfying hours of my life include time spent serving meals at homeless shelters in and around the Boston area. I did not know the impact I had on these people simply by pouring soup into a bowl and serving it with a smile. I didn’t know them, and they didn’t know me. As I handed them the bowl of soup their eyes wide and bright, a loud and sincere “Thank You” flowed easily off their lips. I could feel it in my heart, I even feel it now as I write this post. I made a difference.
Then I moved to the suburbs where poverty is not as visible. My eyes could not see it, and it was an easy thing to tuck away into the back of my mind. As Blog Action Day approached, I thought what a great way for me to 1) recall my past experiences and 2) consider ways to help again, because suburbs or not, poverty surrounds me, and I know in my gut, no one is immune. Not even me. Sure my husband and I are “secure” today, whatever that means. No matter what, we just never know what our future holds.
I recently created a framework based on my personal experiences, that made sense to introduce here, providing me a new way to think about my role in fighting poverty.
The framework contains three “umbrella” steps:
- Awareness
- Accountability
- Action
Awareness
When I stopped volunteering my time, my awareness diminished. I no longer walked by the homeless on the streets and ignored what I viewed on TV. Why? Maybe because as I got older the ignorance became a reflection of my deepest fears or maybe I never knew how to act. Regardless of the reason, in order to have a positive affect, I need to have awareness. Regardless of any change I want to make, awareness has to come first. I need to open my eyes and my heart, no matter how painful or challenging.
Accountability
I need to hold myself accountable for my actions to help or ignore. I make choices everyday and cannot place blame elsewhere. Not that I am responsible for poverty, but my decision to help or not makes a difference. Holding myself accountable allows me to ask: What can I do to make a difference?
Action
Answering the question posed above leads to action. Do something. Donate goods, money, or your time. Find a cause that you believe in and lend a helping hand. Write about it, talk about it, or schedule a fundraiser. Gather some friends and use your strengths to develop a plan that works, then act on that plan. I loved working in some of the shelters and often I do miss it. I made new friends and most importantly shared smiles with those who needed it most.
You can make a difference. I can make a difference. Together, we can all make a difference. Do you know where to turn? In Massachusetts, Project Bread is one of the largest organizations fighting to end hunger. Their annual “Walk for Hunger” event brought together 40,000 walkers in 2008 raising $3.8 million dollars. I remember participating in that event as a college student. Perhaps it’s time to mark the date on my calendar for 2009.
Stacey, thank you for sharing the journey you’ve been on with this. In a way, it mirrors what I’ve been through (and wrote about today). When I was aware, and took action - I really felt the needs of those suffering from poverty. But then, I drove back to my suburban home, surrounded by all it’s extravagances (at least compared to those suffering from poverty) - and I forgot about those who suffered just a short drive away.
Your framework is exactly the process we need to implement - and it definitely starts with awareness. How we become more “aware” - regularly - I’m not sure how to do this best. Get involved specifically with one organization, and volunteer often - maybe? Donate money monthly to a favorite group - possibly? I guess it comes down to what works for each of us individually - what will keep the thought alive in our hearts.
It feels so good to help out those in need - why don’t we do it more often?
Lances last blog post..Poverty Close to Home - Blog Action Day 2008
Great post! I try to volunteer for 3 charity events per year. I have to say out of all of the people I know–my giving is pretty rare. I prefer to donate my time before I donate my cash. Most folks think all you can do is give $$. Thank you for posting about a soup kitchen and Project Bread.
Also, I look forward to reading you on The Dish.
I think it’s time I get back to the soup kitchens too. I also like you framework. Simple and Effective!
Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Take Action! Help Children Impacted by Poverty
One of the best memories my husband and I have shared was our first year married, in London, we served food to 90 elderly shut ins on Christmas Day. it was so rewarding and man, they can work you for a free meal! I think we made 500 cups of tea that day.
It’s posts like this that make me get back to the basics. The economy isn’t great. My financial situation is not great…but no where near as bad as others. I need to work on doing more for others who aren’t as fortunate.
Amy/Puddle Jump Photos last blog post..Sneak Peeks for Baby B…….
Hi Stacey: It must be awful to go to bed hungry each night, yet there are over a billion people who experience this day after day. I hope the awareness created by blog action day lasts more than one or two days and that lots of people actually take action.
Marelisas last blog post..Eradicating Poverty Through Human Ingenuity - Blog Action Day 2008
A fascinating journey you have been on ! Growing up without has kept a fire in my belly to constantly look outside my box.
” You can make a difference. I can make a difference. Together, we can all make a difference.” Absolutely!
Ms last blog post..Bicep and Back Challenge
There is a tent city that popped up in my neighborhood and the mayor was trying to run them out of town. They had bright pink tents to draw attention, so the news so showed up. I stopped by with a loaf of bread and some peanut butter to make them sandwiches, but they wouldnt let me (i guess they thought i might poison them.) instead i sat and talked with a lot of them, and they have such interesting stories. No one i met was homeless because they were drunks or spent all their money on drugs- it was because they lost jobs, or were homeless as children after their parents kicked them out. i left feeling like i owed them something as a citizen, and actually left admiring a lot of them for everything they;ve been through. if this economy has taught us anything, its that any one of us is one bad decision or one economic problem away from being where they are. we are not any better than they are. in most cases, our selfishness makes us worse.
Kelly Turner
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Grounded Fitnesss last blog post..Don’t Forget!