Those in Poverty: 3 Sites in the Fight Against Poverty You Should Know

It's not new news that poverty is a colossal problem everywhere, and even more so in the aftermath of what is known as the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. But who's doing something about it?

Three organizations' approach in the fight against poverty, whether the battles take place in America, Africa or Asia, caught--and kept my attention, as they work to help individuals and families become self-sufficient


Half in Ten
The mission of Half in Ten, and the meaning behind the name, is to cut poverty by half in ten years. While this might sound like an impossible task, the initiatives their working on like focusing on not just job creation, but good job creation, promoting economic security and strengthening families, convinced me that Half in Ten just might see this mission through.

Choose Your Weapon
There are several ways to join the battle to end poverty with Half in Ten. Or, at least significantly reduce the numbers of individuals and families living in it. By signing the pledge, you'll be sent campaign updates, and info on more ways to get involved. You'll also have the ability to talk to your state senators, the House Budget Committee, and Congress to push for change via Half in Ten's website.

Opportunities abound at the local levels with Half in Ten's many affiliates across the nation. The Virginia Interfaith Center implements a program called The Poverty Diet. Participants are challenged to feed themselves and possible members of their families on $4.23 per person, per day for three days, to get a real feel for an impoverished life.

The Working Poor Families Project
You can bet policies having to do with the education and skills training, economic development, as well as income and supports on the job that effect the working poor are put under the microscope of The Working Poor Families Project. This national initiative partners with non-profit groups to look closely at economic conditions and state policies that affect the working poor in an effort to make them more effective. After close examination, findings are then presented before community stakeholders by agencies engaged in the "Strengthening State Policy Initiative," to inform them of opportunities to improve state workforce development systems.

Success has come in the form of stronger policies and practices, and increased state funds supporting the goals of WPFP, which all helps families become even more self-sufficient.

Choose Your Weapon: Keep up with WPFP news, opportunities and resources that can help you or a family you may know rise.


Trickle Up
The founders of Trickle Up, Glen and Mildred Robbins Leet, knew the real meaning of sharing the wealth. While vacationing in Caribbean island of Dominica they were able to get a close look at poverty. They learned that the trickle down effect was only working for one group--the rich. Realizing that the Trickle Down effect, popular during the time of the company's founding in 1979, had in fact, no effect on the poor.

Giving grants of $100 each to ten people for them to launch mini enterprises helped change, and is still changing the lives of many across the globe. To ensure continued success, the Leets provided the new entrepreneurs with necessary tools like business plans and basic training. These moves helped them to build a business model that would continue to help others.

Choose Your Weapon
Donate to the The Mildred Robbins Leet Fund to continue in helping to make entrepreneurial dreams a reality for women and men around the world.

The Young Professionals Council, a young professional group based in New York City, is always looking for new advocates to help them bring awareness about microfinance to students and other young professionals, while making valuable connections at the same time.

Let's add to this list. What's your favorite organization down for the fight against poverty?

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