Too often anti-poverty policies are created without consulting individuals with lived/living experience. These individuals’ unique personal experiences and knowledge are essential in any poverty-reduction efforts. Their expertise helps build understanding, reduce stigma and discrimination, and improve anti-poverty research, policy, and organizational practices.
In the United States, over 37 million people live in poverty, a number that would be significantly higher without federal anti-poverty programs. Yet, too often, these programs come under political threat. When making decisions about funding and policy, lawmakers need to seek the expertise of those who understand the reality of poverty because they live it every day.
The Experts on Poverty are empowered to be change agents. They share their expertise and stories with the public and decision makers to influence anti-poverty policy, highlight the ways these policies impact their lives, and shift the narrative around the realities of living in poverty.
Interested in having an Expert on Poverty speak at your event? Fill out the Speaker Request Form here.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Lakeisha McVey at [email protected].