Blog Action Day 2008, POVERTY
What can we do about poverty? It seems like an overwhelming problem, especially when we look at the overall picture of how poverty affects so many people worldwide. My suggestion: don’t think abou the numbers or the people you can’t help. Not one of us can simply “fix” poverty all by ourselves. But we CAN all contribute to the solution. Think small, think baby steps, but think of what you can do right now to help.
Poverty has been a strong influence in my life. I grew up poor, and we lived on welfare while I was in high school. I hated how beaten it seemed to make my mother, and in her turn, my sister. When you are very poor you feel as though you have so few options in life. My sister quit school in junior high, isn’t that terrible? I was aware from a young age of our situation and determined to break free. Still I lost my way for a little while after high school. I worked at McDonald’s and a bank part-time, instead of going to university. I had great grades and plenty of potential, but my family considered it a MAJOR accomplishment for someone to finish high school. We didn’t dream any bigger than that.
Thankfully I went to college when I was 20 and my life is so much better now! It was education that really changed my life. It’s not the solution for all poverty related problems, but for so many of us it really does make a difference. So for my today is a reminder that to take action against poverty I have to help make education a priority. I’m looking into some local charities (maybe one of these?) to donate to and I hope that makes at least a little difference.
Because if we each made a little difference, wouldn’t the effect be amazing?!!!
What a thought provoking post. I admit I caught on too late for Blog for Poverty day, although I do contribute to several causes, one of which is donor.org for public schools listed on my blog.
Anyhow, I can relate somewhat. There were many years where I lived on that cheap lunch meat and Hamburger Helper and sweated as I tried to find stable employment to make the rent check each month; although, I realize there are always those much better off.
OOPs. I meant to say there are always those “WORSE” off, not “Better”. Duh!
I’m with you on this. Even if we can’t afford to donate money we can afford some time. To help those who are struggling, especially young people realize that they are entitled to a better a life would be a great way to make a difference.
Thanks for sharing your story. It means so much.
[...] post was part of the Blog Action Day event this week. I posted my own poverty related post over on my mom [...]