On May 24 th First Step will host the ‘Bridges out of Poverty’ seminar for agencies, organizations, and individuals interested in receiving more information about the issues of poverty and generational poverty. The seminar is based on the book of the same name by Ruby Payne, Philip Devol, and Terie Dreussi Smith. Ms. Dreussi Smith will be the speaker.

The concept of poverty in present American society is one that carries many connotations that often distort the reality of poverty and its consequences. For one, poverty is only a relative term (outside of the statistical methods of evaluating it). From behind the protective glass, so to speak, the truth about poverty, and especially generational poverty, is easy to miss. The premise of the book ‘Bridges out of Poverty’ is to dispel the myths, primarily among the middle and upper class, which inhibit a constructive response to the issues of poverty in our society. In addition the authors attempt to give practical tools for diagnosis and effective engagement of poverty and its symptoms. One example of the authors’ novel approach is their definition of the so-called “culture of poverty”. Contrary to what most reform programs might suggest, the individual living in a state of generational poverty is a quite different person from your middle or upper class Joe. Simply giving money or a job does not make all things equal. The differences between these classes are much similar to differences one might find between a German and a South African. They each have their own culture of rules, traditions and vernacular. Interchanging one with the other would be to expect far more than is within the individual’s power.

What “Bridges out of Poverty’ proposes to do first is develop a more accurate model for defining and dealing with poverty. One that takes into account the numerous variables that might inhibit an individual from getting out of poverty. Once this is done communities can then begin to find the tools that can most effectively address these variables. At First Step we have seen the effect that poverty can have on family and relationships. This issue is close to our hearts because, as statistical analyses prove, there is an uncanny relationship between poverty and domestic violence. In fact many of the effects of poverty tend to be reciprocal in a manner that perpetuates a cycle of generational poverty. The ideas and strategies put forth in ‘Bridges out of Poverty’ are valuable for informing our present thinking about approaches to eradicating poverty. It is also valuable because it proposes a more grassroots level response to poverty issues. State sanctioned social-welfare initiatives tend to be less compassionate and more judgmental than community members who are interested in affecting change. It is our vision at First Step to mobilize other agencies, organizations and individuals in our communities to actively participate in addressing systemic problems of poverty. Through this concerted effort we can then begin to eradicate symptoms of poverty such as domestic violence, and build a better society.

For more information about the'Bridges out of Poverty' seminar click here (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file)