From the Ground Up

Food for thought.  

I am becoming more and more frustrated with the chatter in our society, especially during this political season, regarding the lower class and those living in poverty. So many are referred to as being lazy, undeserving of hand-outs, thugs, etc. Sure, there are people that fit into that category (let us not forget there are people in other social classes who fit into that category as well), but my heart breaks for those who come from families who have lived in poverty for generations. They are at the bottom of a mountain looking up from day one.

It's hard to become a "productive citizen," when your basic needs aren't met. It's hard to become a good student when you are hungry, tired, and do not have the tools at home to practice the very skills you are taught at school.  It's hard to understand how to be socially appropriate when violence surrounds you and you don't have positive role models.  

Some are able to escape, but many are not and the cycle continues.

It is my hope that people realize how important it is for education equality and reform. The above-mentioned statistic has always troubled me, which is why I feel compelled to do what I can to make a difference, however big or small it may be. Children growing up in poverty have the deck stacked against them. It is a world we cannot even begin to understand, yet there are so many who are quick to judge and make generalizations.

Let's face it. Education for middle and upper class children is far superior to that of their low-income peers. Low-income schools are underfunded and in disrepair. They do not have the necessary materials and tools needed for learning and the extra support and enrichment activities are lacking.  

They do not have PTA's who raise thousands of dollars each year to provide the teachers and school with the "extras." I found an article on the Waiting for Superman Facebook page that touches on this subject to be very thought-provoking.  

Plain and simple there is a large achievement gap and it needs to be remedied. Take this local example: Monroe (Davenport) vs. Hopewell (Pleasant Valley). Now look at the nation's biggest cities:

It is a huge reason why we work so hard at From Cover to Cover to get something as simple as books into kids' homes, but it's so much more than that. We want those kids to know we care and that they matter.  We want them to know that there are people who are in their corner and supporting them.

It is why we continue to forge ahead, grow our programs, and find more money to reach our goals.  It is also why the ultimate goal is to expand our organization and start branches in different parts of the country.  Proficient literacy skills are imperative for future success.  We just pray that our little dream grows into a big, huge, amazing organization someday. 

A true cultural shift will not occur until our local, state, and national governments address this problem in a productive way and come up with a plan to truly lead the efforts to make a change.  

Those of us who live a life of privilege need to step up to the plate, too.  If you have a safe place to sleep, food on the table, and clothes on your back then I'm talking to you.  It's about more than donating food, clothes, or money from afar.  Those are all great gifts, but it's time to get your hands dirty, get in the trenches, and see first-hand what is going on.  Bring your children along, too.

I recently came across this thought by Father Murray Powell in a book I'm reading (Rising Strong by Brene Brown):  "When you look away from a homeless person, you are diminishing their humanity and your own."

It would be so refreshing if those of us who can would take the attitude of "how can I help" rather than "they don't deserve."    

In the next week I have the privilege to speak to high school juniors and college students regarding the work that is done through From Cover to Cover.  I am excited and know these opportunities are for a greater purpose.  My goal is to open some eyes, inspire the next generation, and leave them hungry to do something for the greater good.  

I want them to take that spark and light a fire.  

Our nation is so divided and people are willing to attack those who don't share the same viewpoint, often in extremely aggressive ways. The lack of respect people have for others is unnerving. So many are enraged and complain, yet stand idly by and do nothing to help.

It is time to turn the table. It is time to let go of the animosity and anger and turn it into productivity and hope. It's time to show up for those who need help and start the change train rolling. Hop on board.

#theyearofpeople