Introduction to Poverty Ron Jensen Executive Director Life Initiatives, Inc

This introduction to poverty is the only page in the series that is text only (no video).

You have preconceptions about poverty.

My focus in this training is on generational poverty. Many of us have found ourselves lacking money at some point in our lives, especially when we're young. But generational poverty is different. It's not just a temporary lack of resources, it's a matter of never having really experienced those resources in your life. They're not only absent; they're alien to a person in generational poverty. Most of the folks we'll find ourselves getting to know in the target group of Life Initiatives will be from a background of generational poverty.

My goal in Poverty 101 is to pry open the door of your perspective, so you may see generational poverty from the inside-out rather than from the outside-in. If you're anything like I was a few years ago, you believe that the poor have had some tough breaks here and there, but basically they just need to apply themselves, work hard, and succeed.

In the area of generational poverty, the proverb is true: "the devil is in the details". If hard work alone could get people out of poverty, poverty would be an easily conquered foe. But it's in the details that the power of poverty becomes more identifiable.

Dr. Ruby Payne defines poverty like this: "Poverty is the extent to which an individual does without resources." The problem isn't simply a lack of money. The resources we need include the following:

•  FINANCIAL: Having the money to purchase goods and services.

•  EMOTIONAL: Being able to choose and control emotional responses, particularly to negative situations, without engaging in self-destructive behavior. This is an internal resource and shows itself through stamina perseverance, and choices.

•  MENTAL: Having the mental abilities and acquired skills (reading, writing, computing) to deal with daily life.

•  SPIRITUAL: Believing in divine purpose and guidance.

•  PHYSICAL: Having physical health and mobility.

•  SUPPORT SYSTEMS: Having friends, family, and backup resources available to access in times of need.

•  RELATIONSHIPS / ROLE MODELS: Having frequent access to [people] who are appropriate, who are nurturing …, and who do not engage in self-destructive behavior.

•  KNOWLEDGE OF HIDDEN RULES: Knowing the unspoken cues and habits of a group. (see Poverty 103: "Hidden Rules" )

[”A Framework for Understanding Poverty” by Dr. Ruby K. Payne (c1996,2005, pub. by Aha! Process) p. 7]