| Participants
at the workshop reflected their concerns in a similar manner and supported
the notion that these issues were important in their communities as well.
Unfortunately time did not allow for a longer discussion on what could
be done to alleviate these problems. Participants did offer their sincere
interest in furthering these discussions and collaborating on solutions.
Questions
Question # 1
What do you perceive is the community understanding of Child and Family
Poverty issues and how is the community engaged in addressing the issue?
Common Responses
- Many people felt
that public does not understand the realities and issues around Child
and Family Poverty, i.e. housing, low income, unhealthy living, negative
perception of people on welfare and their rights
- There are many
strong “givers” - seeing the effects but not the cause
- Many blame people
who live in poverty for creating their own problems
- Most are unaware
that there is a poverty issue in their own community
- Government is responsible
for dealing with issues in our community
- People who live
in poverty do not reach out. Independence and pride prevent them for
asking for help
Question #2
Who is responsible for addressing issues of child and family poverty
in your community?
Common Responses
- Government, through
tax dollars
- Service groups
- Faith Community
- Community Agencies/organizations
- Business Community
- Schools
- “Elders” in the
community. However, they are not accustomed to reaching out to community
groups · Major employers/large plants need to look at conditions to
support the working poor (childcare, transportation, wages)
Question #3
What can you do to address the issues in your community?
Common Responses
- Educate the poor.
i.e. more awareness of their rights, eliminating their fear of losing
support
- The capacity to
take action is not often there amongst the poor themselves; therefore,
there is a need for partnership between the poor and communities and
government
- Involving the poor
– looking at language barriers
- Changing the perceptions/creating
an environment of respect
- Sharing information/networking
- Establish Volunteer
Centre
- The continued support
of government departments & community organizations
- Creating an advocacy
network
- Focus on youth
– how to keep them in the communities and get them involved in addressing
the issues
- Looking at Poverty
from a more positive approach. i.e. using an asset-based model.
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