Poverty

Students A and B ate their pie. Student C cut his pie in half, selling one half to A and the other half to B for a dollar each. A ate the additional piece, and her only remaining resource was her pencil. B kept the additional piece and still had her pencil. C had no pie but had $3 and a pencil. When he decided he wanted to buy back his half slice from B, she sold it for the pencil. Then, it was time for an assignment which required the use of a pencil. C was without a pencil and had to buy his pencil back from B for $3. They all started with the same resources, but in the end, A and C each had a pencil, but B had a pencil and $3.

Some people manage resources better than others. Some are wiser and more visionary. Some people take more risks for greater rewards or greater losses. Sometimes a person is either in the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time. Thus, simply throwing out resources, expecting people to be equal, isn't the solution. There will always be a stratification, but we can change our systems and processes, so people have a chance to succeed.

They wonder if there are possibilities for something better. There are "now hiring" signs all over, but the jobs require certifications which Jennifer and her husbands do not have. Other people may be thriving, but Jennifer and her husband don't see that in their futures. No hope.

Jennifer's boss sees she's a reliable worker. She shows up on time and does the job correctly. She's well-liked by customers and co-workers. He believes that Jennifer could be a chef at one of the nicer restaurants in town, making more than he could pay, plus benefits. Even though he could lose one of his best workers, he tells her about the possibility. He even introduces her to one of the restaurant owners. Jennifer imagines herself as a chef with a white jacket and poofy hat. She now has hope.

She could work 1 job full time in her field, have adequate child care, and have time with her family. However, at this point, as wonderful as the opportunity is, it is unattainable. There's no pathway connecting her current situation to her desired situation. Not genuine opportunity.

The library has evening programs for children and Internet access. The librarian also let Jennifer know about an agency that provides back-to-school scholarships. Jennifer signs up for classes. While her children are enjoying library activities, she completes her schoolwork. She now has a genuine opportunity.

Jennifer's daughter is old enough to operate the food truck with her own crew, and Jennifer buys another food truck. Sometimes they go to the same festival with one or both trucks, and sometimes they go to different festivals. Jennifer is gaining collateral for herself and her daughter. Accumulation.

In addressing poverty, people need to know there is a possibility for a better life, AND they need a clear pathway for how to get there. Thirdly, they need to be able to gain assets (beyond simply gaining and consuming more resources). There are resources out there, but are they available? How do we connect resources to those who need them? Internet, Childcare, and Education (ICE).