From a series of writings I have done called Stories from the Street. A true story about Louie and Bruno (of course not their real names)
In Edmonton, some groups want legislation to lock up the homeless when they are assessed to be too inebriated. Locked up directly in a cell. No right to a lawyer, no judge involved.
Sometimes when we get too connected to being "professional" we stop listening to call of humanity for meaning and community. This story is about that. It's a true story, somewhat embellished.
Poverty rates are only part of the story. There are so many living pay cheque to paycheque. EI is not effective. We are jailing the disadvantaged. Income inequality is a problem. The context is largely Edmonton, but much here, I imagine, rings true for your community as well.
Karen cleans my house. She is hard working and does an excellent job, consistently and in good spirit. This is her story. Names have been changed.
This is the first installment of a series from a long essay I am writing about philanthropy or more specifically about the need for a major, if not radical shift, toward democratic philanthropy. The essay will be included in a book of exposition and criticism I am writing, currently entitled "Heretical...
One of the critical challenges to solving poverty beyond what is simply described above is to find ways to accept the divergence of mindsets while authentically seeking a convergence of ideas and actions that will actually work to effectively address poverty.We require a method of inquiry that refuses to ignore...
For the majority of us, the experience of poverty is unimaginable. We intuit it must be difficult; we can read the reports of its impact and have some understanding, but in the end, we do not know poverty to the degree and depth those who live with it do.
If you ask me if I support a living wage, I will say "yes," but if you also tell me that the living wage (at least in urban centres like Edmonton) is about $14.00 per hour, I might be a tad skeptical.
Deep Conversations in Alberta
At the core of each of us, we want to belong to something. How can our communities become places where everyone is invited to belong?
After more than 10 years, we've learned some lessons we want to share.
Over the past 10 years, thirteen cities across Canada have been involved in an action learning experiment to reduce poverty. They have been applying collective impact conditions and have learned some lessons.
a story of change and inspiration
Like most people, I wish for a lot of things in my life. I hope my children will be happy. I hope my family loves me as much as I love them. I would like more money, who wouldn’t? I hope for less violence and pain in the world.
I also wish I could be more like Ernie.
Where will they go?
An Edmonton report on the increasing pressure to move the homeless along.
Thoughts about a week spent with 150 friends and colleagues
It was a week to remember. Looking forward to October 2013 when I will be participating in my 8th consecutive Communities Collaborating Institute.
