Reflective Questions: What does the phrase ‘living in poverty’ mean to you? How has your definition of ‘poverty’ changed in the past year? Does your community think differently about poverty now? How can you tell? (yes, there are several questions but they’re just trying to get your creativity going)
pineappleprincess - The phrase “living in poverty” means nothing more to me than what it did 10 years ago. I am living in poverty and so if you need any more information on how it is, just ask me! Although we live in financial poverty my family has always known that we are richer than most all of the world. But despite our poverty, we have family and friends who we care about, and who care about us, so we are rich beyond belief in the areas that really matter. My definition of poverty has changed in the way that poverty is more than just monetary, it is also social. Most of the community, to be blunt about it, don’t give a soaring rodents backside about poverty still. They aren’t in it, so they don’t think it is there, or if it is, it is that own person’s fault and they don’t deserve help. But some of the community, the STP’s (Same Ten People), care and they have worked really hard in this Horizons program.
mountainmama: My definition of poverty has been changed by the Horizons program, at least in making it more tangible. Despite the fact that our life is often difficult to deal with financially, as a couple my husband and I decided long, long ago that our luxury item would be me available at all times to our children, other family members and our community (in that order). It has never been easy, but it has always been rewarding beyond our wildest dreams. Although as a family we often referred to how rich we were compared to others because we had each other, a strong extended family and connections to the community, we never considered the opposite way was a type of poverty. Now it seems so clear.
I think the approximately 200 people who attended our visioning rally heard, and probably understood, the definition of poverty as being more than about money. That it also has to do with resources, knowledge/communication, and being able to feel valued and a part of the community. But, as for how many changed their way of behaving given that knowledge, I just don’t see a big change. I think those who already “got it” were given an avenue with which to really do something they already wanted to do, but didn’t have the resources (in great part human, partly financial) to do. So, the bringing together the community for that community conversation allowed the passionate ones to find each other. It has been the greatest pleasure to work with the other committed volunteers. I also think that there has been enough of a new understanding in some, that even though it is not their passion to help others, that when push comes to shove, we don’t have to push (or plead) quite so much for help now. They do have a better understanding about what we are trying to do. They just don’t live it daily like the crazy ones that don’t know how to say no.
Scavenger Hunt Question: Which community (in partnership with ComBAT (Community Based Access to Technology)) will be having a FREE concert on April 23, 2008?
pineappleprincess - The community that has partnered with ComBAT and is having a free concert on the 23 of April is the Coeur d’ Alene Reservation. The doors open at 6:00 pm and the concert starts at 7:00 pm.
mountainmama - The Couer d’Alene Reservation is having a free concert at the Couer d’Alene Casino. Kids (children) ages 10 and up are welcome with an adult. The part of the March 31 blog that contains this information, contains some other information that is much better. There is a music editing class being offered to a maximum of 20 people on April 26-27, 10am-6pm. How cool would it be to learn how to make your own music CD’s!?! (My sister’s and I could finally do our recording of campfire and car songs for our parents - we’d sure like to drive my dad nuts without even having to be there ; )
