Poverty

So why is everyone so surprised that more of our country’s children are “in” poverty? According to the recently released study 1 out of 8 of our children are affected by poverty.

When the media recently announced the results of the Annie E. Casey Foundation Study may people referred to the strides made in the 90’s and expressed shock at the new results. That was a decade ago! Many teachers could tell you that many of their young students are suffering for a variety of reasons: parents do not have full time jobs, children are losing housing, medical aid, welfare income, and unemployment compensation to name a few. Much of this is because of decisions made at the state and federal levels. Perspectives are different perspective for those who do not work close to our young children. There appears not to be a large concern in Congress (federal and state) for prenatal, well baby, and child care funding or even education- let alone creating jobs! There has been an increase in the deaths of teens. Educational funding is deteriorating. Very recently and not as well publicized there was an honest survey released which showed that a more nutritious diet is more expensive.

School is starting in the next few weeks. Children are great at sensing if not verbalizing when there are problems in their lives. Sometimes this appears as worry, withdrawal, nervousness, acting out, mistrust, wariness, and lack of concentration. Teachers will notice that children are looking for attention and a comfortable, safe place to spend time, and more children (certified or not) will need extra help and support. Often times they are looking for an adult to listen and a feeling of consistency and caring. There will be more children getting free and reduced lunches. School districts will try with less funding, fewer professionals and/or support staff, and larger class sizes to support and give these children an education.

CBS Sunday Morning July 31, 2011 gave Tavis Smiley a forum to speak on poverty. He started with Martin Luther King Jr. words, “I choose to identify with the underprivileged, I choose to identify with the poor, I choose to give my life for …. Those who have been left out of the sunlight of opportunity.”
Mr. Smiley then proceeded to share the notion that in the last couple of elections candidates have rarely used the word poverty. I found this thought something to noodle around and become aware of. I realized that the word “poverty” puts a visualization of malnutrition, hopelessness, and devastation in the mind and a feeling of comfortableness in the heart.

Mr. Smiley is right, I very rarely hear the word poverty or poor come from a politicians’ mouth. Yet with the current social situations day to day poverty is affecting a larger and larger part of the social order. It is like a puddle that when fed grows across our country. From down here in the “grass roots” of our country, we know there is poverty. Pass the message on to our state and federal leaders.

From my point of view, children will be better prepared to become adults if we start at the beginning and break the poverty cycle as well as helping children be ready to start the school year, with a nutritious diet, a good night’s sleep, and clean clothes to be alert and ready to go. There is no surprise here: this is what a child needs to be free to learn. We have poverty and because of the situation of the adults around them more children will need some legs up. A healthy mind and body should be a right for all the children- not an entitlement.

What Next?

With all that is happening in our country I have been doing a lot of thinking and find myself reflecting back to my high school classes. More specifically my teacher for history and government classes comes to mind. Mr. Buccimi was a man short in stature with a powerful mind. Yes he had that Ph.D. but he was always “Mr.”. He had the respect of students, staff, parents, and community alike.

He was the teacher we all had who said “Know your history to avoid repeating mistakes.” Through the three semesters I had him, government and current events was always a big part of our discussions. As part of our classwork, he imbedded the importance of voting and more in all of us. He also kept reminding the young minds that in this country it is “We the people….” which involves rights but also obligations. So for many of my grown up years, I have been amazed that so few people seem to vote for local issues (including school boards), state issues, and even national elections. Many adults have been happy with the status quo and figured whatever happened was ok so a relatively few make the effort to vote and made decisions. Thanks to the media we have all been shown proof that every vote counts (and that’s history!).

This past year I have heard rumblings from many citizens of various sectors. People are realizing that bargaining rights are being eliminated and voting is becoming more difficult. Friday Standard and Poors gave everyone a bucket of cold water. I’m not addressing whether what was done was correct or not it did get everyone to take pause. Many people are realizing that it is time to leave the comfort of compliance.

I am thinking there will be (should be) a surge in voting this November as well as next. Mr. Buccimi would be pleased that people are noticing what is going on in all areas of government. He would say “start paying attention, ask questions, and speak up.” He was one to remind us that we always needed to read and listen with a discerning eye or ear remembering that even factual information is delivered with a point of view.

Since Congress is on break (or having recess) many of our representatives and senators are home in their districts- hopefully listening to constituents. Remember it is your tax dollars that run this country and you have the right to voice your opinion- with respect.

Start now knowing the facts, paying attention, and doing what you can: listen, talk, write, sign petitions, do surveys, demonstrate, call, ask questions, or e-mail your governmental leaders who serve you in Washington, in your state capital, as well as in your local community. Then be ready to vote.

You are right Mr. Buccimi and thank you.