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5 Intention-setting Ideas to Raise Poverty Awareness

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January is Poverty in America Awareness Month!

National Poverty in America Awareness Month is observed in the month of January.  I experienced food scarcity as a child, so this topic is close to my heart.  Food scarcity can have a profound and wide-ranging impact on a child’s mental health.  It affects their emotional well-being, cognitive development, and social interactions, and it can have lasting effects into adulthood.  Addressing food insecurity is essential not only for physical health but also for the mental well-being and future development of our children.

Congress officially recognized Poverty Awareness Month in 2009 to raise awareness and bring attention to the growth of poverty in the United States.  The poverty rate in 2022 was 11.5% or 37.9 million people living in poverty.  Poverty can arise from many factors, including but not limited to limited access to education, disabilities, and/or social discrimination.

Organizations like the Community Action Network focus on efforts to raise awareness about poverty by sharing stories of people experiencing financial hardship.

Below are some intention-setting ideas to help raise awareness, generate support, and foster meaningful change to combat poverty in America:
  1. Host.   Consider organizing a neighborhood food drive to support local food banks, shelters, or community organizations that assist individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.  You might partner with a local business or school to maximize participation and impact!
  2. Volunteer.  Another option to consider might be to spend time volunteering at a local shelter, soup kitchen, or organization that supports individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty.  You can assist with meal prep, distribution of supplies, or providing support in other ways..
  3. Educate and Advocate.  Perhaps you might use your social media platforms to share information, statistics, and personal stories that highlight the realities of poverty in America. Maybe encourage discussions on systemic issues, such as affordable housing, healthcare access, and education, and advocate for policies that address these challenges.
  4. Fundraise.  If you find you have more time this month, perhaps plan a fundraising activity, such as a charity run, auction, or online campaign, to raise money for organizations working to alleviate poverty.  Funds can support housing initiatives, educational programs, job training, or mental health services for low-income individuals..
  5. Discuss.  Consider collaborating with local experts, activists, or community leaders to organize a discussion or panel on the causes and solutions to poverty.  You might engage your community in dialogue around sustainable solutions such as universal basic income, affordable housing, and access to quality education and healthcare..