Blog Questions of the Week (Week 3)
Here are the reflective question(s) and their answers:
What does the phrase ‘living in poverty’ mean to you?
Poverty, how would one define it? Well, to me, it does not only mean monetary poverty (when one does not have enough money to buy even the most basic of needs), but there is also economic poverty, and social poverty. For example, here in St. Maries, we have a lot of economic poverty; it is difficult to start a new business or develop contacts to run a successful business, in any way shape or form. It is difficult to start something new, or to change the views of the “locals” (this is a form of social poverty in my opinion), which is necessary to grow as a community. People here, I am afraid to say, are afraid of change. With all the technological advances in this day and age, it is necessary to embrace the future as well as the past, and not just dwell in it!
How has your definition of ‘poverty’ changed in the past year?
My personal definition of poverty has not really changed over the past year as much as it has grown and expanded. My definition was the one I gave above a year ago, and that has not really changed; however, it has become more refined, more detailed. There are more nuances in regards to the levels of poverty that is found within my community.
Does your community think differently about poverty now?
I am not 100% sure if my community thinks differently about poverty as they are more aware of the different types of poverty that exist. I assume (and I realize that is a dangerous thing to do) that most of the community did not really see the different types of poverty which exist as opposed to just being monetarily poor.
How can you tell?
I have noticed that there is more of a dialog in regards to the different types of poverty…it is no longer about “not” having the money to do something, but about finding the right resources! Compared to when I went to my first study-group (we started with two participants and two mediators), to my last Action Team Meeting, the participation has been overwhelmingly increased.
Scavenger Hunt Question: Which community (in partnership with ComBAT (Community Based Access to Technology)) will be having a FREE concert on April 23, 2008? The community who is effectively will be having a free concert is the Coeur d’Alene Reservation/Plummer Horizons group.