@ljacksonahaproc
Because this conference looks at reducing poverty in your communities through the lens of economic class.
Because, it uses the core constructs and strategies of Bridges Out of Poverty, A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Understanding and Engaging Under-Resourced College Students, Getting Ahead and other core products in the strategy.
Need other reasons to attend?
- For starters, the sessions are presented by practitioners. These presenters are in the trenches working on sustainability, poverty reduction, stabilization, housing, food resources, emergency resources for families, financial literacy, workforce development and more. These presenters know what they are talking about. Some are working at the individual level, others at the organizational level, and some take a 30,000-foot view on how these strategies will impact community sustainability.
- Related to Item 1, but I will make it a point of its own…At this conference you will learn best practices from those who have built successful programs to address poverty in their communities, organizations, and institutions. As Chris Parsons from Schenectady, New York, told me, “The conference is an opportunity to move outside of the box and to create new opportunities to share the Bridges movement.”
- You are a part of a larger community all working towards a common goal. You are not doing it alone; this network is supporting you and “has your back.” The networking, new friends, and connections are valuable as you continue to grow your Bridges initiative.
- You will hear stories of success from presenters who have improved their resources and stabilized their lives. These are the most powerful messages at the conference. Transitioning from poverty to self-sufficiency is not for the faint of heart!
- There are always more sectors to involve in your community. Hear from those who have expanded into the health systems, criminal justice, business, education, and more. They cut a path for you to use their ideas and make your implementation more successful/smooth.
- It refuels your body, soul, and professional vigor. Sonia Holycross is a family development coordinator at Partners in Hope in Troy, Ohio. As she said, reducing poverty in our communities can be emotionally draining. The conference serves as a reminder to her that she is part of a movement in poverty reduction, and she gets strength to go back and continue working with clients on stability strategies.
I attend the conference because…What are the reasons you attend? I would love to hear from you – start the conversation with a reply to this blog, on Twitter, or via email.
See you in Atlanta!
