Learning about poverty

THERE'S A limit to how much one can learn about poverty sitting in a classroom
or watching a TV documentary. To really understand, one needs first-hand
knowledge of poverty and its effects. That requires going out into the community and listening to individuals and families who are engaged in the daily struggle
to make ends meet.

How to do that? Here are ten ways to learn about poverty in your community:

1. Cook or serve dinner at your local Rescue Mission, Salvation Army or
Catholic Worker House.

2. Introduce yourself to a homeless person and take her out to dinner.

3. Bail someone out of jail and accompany him to court.

4. Spend an evening in the emergency room of a public hospital.

5. Help someone apply for TANF (AFDC).

6. Try to find health insurance for someone who has just $50 a month to spend
on it.

7. Provide a weekend of child care for a young single mother (or a mother whose
husband is in prison).

8. Apply for a job which pays only the minimum wage.

9. Accompany someone who is applying for Medicaid.

10. Work once a week for a month at a foodshelf.

Each of these are opportunities to learn about poverty -- while doing something
useful at the same time. Chances are you have additional ideas.  Why not add them to this list.