Peace Presentation - Reflection Paper

"Food Not Bombs"
Keith McHenry
22 Sept 11

Keith McHenry is the founder of an organization called "Food Not Bombs", dedicated to providing food for the needy around the world through promoting the spending of the majority of taxpayer’s money on healthcare and food rather than towards the United States Military. He was raised in a military family and took part in protests against nuclear power in the 1980’s. He then obtained a job as a produce worker and eventually became an Organics expert in which he was responsible for disposing of undesired food in which he decided to give to the needy rather than letting it go to waste. Keith McHenry eventually decided to quit his job as an Organics expert and dedicate his life to providing food to those in need and educate people on the issues of the world through literature and street theatre.

He then began to feed protests against bombs around the United States and on August 15, 1988 he was part of a 9 arrest protest which marked the beginning of the era of the organization, “Food Not Bombs”. These arrests were published in the newspapers and Keith McHenry’s dedication was heard around the U.S. and more members appeared as more arrests followed. It seems that these protests were seen as “Political statements” and deemed as a threat, in which police, as well as the government, believed were grounds for arrest. The “Food Not Bombs” organization was simply responsible for providing free food for those in need and felt they were not doing any harm in their existence, therefore, their movement continued. Waves of arrests inspired the beginning of chapters all over the world. Due to his drive and relentless attitude, promoting his belief that the United States government must help those in need rather than the Military, Keith McHenry is now on the FBI’s terrorist watch list and considered one of the top 100 terrorists in the United States. However, “Food Not Bombs” was the main disaster food relief for 8 months for hurricane Katrina victims and continues to inspire those willing to provide support for the needy around the world. Keith McHenry has dedicated 26 years of his life to peace and Anti-war movements and shows no sign of stopping!

Hunger Issue content : "Hunger, Poverty On The Rise in Chicago Area"

Original posting date: Sunday, October 23, 2011 4:28 PM

Author: Kristina Betinis
Published: 1 July 2009

Economic deficiencies in Illinois have had an adverse effect on the working class, along with the unemployed, elderly, and disabled. Unemployment continues to rise in Illinois and working people are gradually beginning to plunge into poverty. According to Betinis, "The Heartland Alliance's Illinois report found that poverty was worsening in many areas in the state even before the current economic crisis officially began, rising in 58 of 102 counties. In 2007, nearly 12 percent of Illinois residents, or 1.5 million people, were living in poverty" (Hunger, Poverty on the Rise in Chicago Area, 2009). However, because the Heartland Alliance's report reflects the 2007 census count, before the economic crisis began, it is deemed inaccurate and unreliable. The government's definition of poverty for a family of four in 2009 is living with an income of less than $22,050 and extreme poverty at less than $11,025. Betinis states, "It is estimated that 253,000 more Chicago residents have become poor since 2007, bringing Chicago's impoverished population to 11.3 percent...In 2008 over 10,600 Chicago Public School students were homeless, an increase of 35 percent over five years." (Hunger, Poverty On The Rise In Chicago Area, 2009). The Lakeview Pantry experiencing a 20 percent increase in demand within this year does not compare to the skyrocketing demand for emergency food aid across the city. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that over 9 percent of Illinois families suffer sustenance uncertainty, along with a 14 percent increase in housing and food prices. Suburbs in the Chicago are experiencing a major increase in poverty and hunger as well, and residents are beginning to "move in to the outlying areas around Chicago in search of cheaper rents...or forced out by closures of public housing facilities"(Hunger, Poverty On The Rise In Chicago Area, 2009). Midwest Chicago reports a loss of over 676,000 jobs due to massive layoffs with a poverty rate of 12.3 percent. It is now deemed one of the 20 poorest cities in the United States!

Review of Kyle M.'s blog, "Falling Between the Cracks"

Original posting date: Friday, October 21, 2011 7:47 AM

"Falling Between the Cracks"
By: Kyle M.
20 Oct 11
http://fallinbetweencracks.blogspot.com/

Kyle’s blog is well laid out and informative, however, his style of writing seems to present an angry and passive quality. I love the enthusiasm, but it threw me off a little because it seemed as if he was arguing with a friend rather than providing feedback and understanding of the subject of poverty to a significant audience. On the other hand, I do agree with his definition of poverty “that there is a fundamental lack of resources to be distributed to meet the demand for them”. He not only defines poverty, he provides critical insight of the subject and what should be done to eliminate it! Great read!

Review of Michael K.'s blog, "Poverty To Support the Starving Elite"

Original posting date: Friday, October 21, 2011 7:30 AM

"Poverty To Support the Starving Elite"
By : Michael K.
18 Oct 11
http://povertykamysm.blogspot.com/

Michael's blog was somewhat difficult to read due to the black font and dark brown background, however, he writes extremely well and provided great insight to the topic of poverty. He writes extremely well and puts plenty of thought into each entry. You can tell that he is passionate about the subject of poverty and as I continued to read his blog, I found myself sharing the same passion as well, due to his strong, yet, critical point of views. Great Job! I Loved it!

Poverty in the City of Boston

Original posting date: Thursday, October 20, 2011 1:40 PM

The Annual Census Report for 2008-2009 in Boston show the number of homeless men, women, and children totaling 7,562

However, Mayor Thomas M. Menino's Homeless Census for 2010 illustrates:

       Unsheltered homeless adults counted on the streets = 182

       Homeless families sheltered in motels = 163

       Homeless families on the streets = 1,343

       Homeless adults in emergency shelters = 1,365

*The lowest figure for the unsheltered count since 1997!

The 2010 Mayor's Report for Boston, report the number of beds and units available for homeless persons during the last year:

Total number of beds in emergency shelter = 3584
                                      transitional housing = 1513
                    permanent supportive housing = 4319

*The profile for homelessness in the 2010 Mayor's Report records a 2% decrease in the use of emergency shelters in the past year.

Furthermore, according to the 2010 Mayor's Report, "Homeless shelters had to provide vouchers for motels and hotels when beds were no longer available...there has been an 18% unmet need for emergency shelters" (Hunger and Homelessness Survey, pg. 35).

The city of Boston does not provide enough services for those in need, because cuts in social services and income supports are present due to the constant criminalizing of homelessness. Many homeless people today feel the need to defend their right to live in public areas of the city. The government develops "safe zones" for the homeless in order to divert the responsibility of the homeless to the state, thus, resulting in lack of resources, and an unsafe environment for those seeking help. "Homeless people depend on local services, usually provided through charitable organizations which rely on community donations and good will to survive. It's fairly painless for a federal judge to pass a ruling requiring outdoor "safe zones," leaving responsibility for homelessness to the city, the level of government with the fewest resources to respond" (Boston Review, 1993).

I feel the criminalization of homelessness plays a major role in the quality and quantity of services available to the needy and those that have the ability to help fail to find personal impacts on the effect of poverty itself. Until the effects of poverty are felt on a personal level only then may we find a way to provide the adequate resources for those in impoverished positions and eliminate its existence, in not only Boston, but also poverty throughout the world.

 

Action Project Details

Original posting date: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 12:21 PM

I am currently working on my own and the agency I chose to work with is The Night Ministry located in Chicago, IL on 4711 N. Ravenswood Ave. The Night Ministry, from their Health Outreach Bus and Youth Outreach van, provides services through listening and building relationships and helps people “of all age, races, religions, sexual orientations, economic and educational backgrounds” (http://www.thenightministry.org/, 2006). Their main goal is to serve and help others while connecting with people spiritually and emotionally, and they are willing to do all they can to provide support for those who are in need and “empower them to change their lives for the better. The basis for all their programs includes non-judgmental listening, caring support, and connecting people with resources to empower them to change their lives for the better” (http://www.thenightministry.org/, 2006). The Night Ministry staff consists of committed social workers, trained ministers, and volunteers. They follow a variety of beliefs and spiritual backgrounds and are not associated with any particular ‘congregation, denomination, or religion’. According to The Night Ministry staff “We recognize that we are all part of the human community. Each person is important and of value. We believe that supportive relationships can build dignity, confidence and a foundation for self-empowerment. We hope that the goods, services, and resources we offer will help people improve their daily lives.”

I believe I will help with their media room, sorting and organized in a way that makes sense to them in order to meet some of their needs. I will go through old photos and articles and organizing them accordingly. I will also work on building a media list booklet to build an understanding of how their organization is run and understand the impact The Night Ministry has had throughout the city of Chicago through the media’s eyes. I will apply to become a volunteer so I may be able to travel to different neighborhoods from 7pm to 11pm Monday thru Saturday on a Health Outreach Bus or Youth Outreach van and provide hospitality services to the nurses and pass out a few helpful resources such as, coffee, hygiene kits, new socks, warm winter wear, cookies, cocoa, condoms, and more. I will then observe The Night Ministry staffs encounters with the needy through advising and listening, building connections with those who need it the most. Thursday evening, if time will allow, I will also visit the Breaking Bread Ministry’s evening café to serve the homeless and I will have the opportunity to take part in serving and observing the staff as well as having a personal account on the impact it has on those in need.

Mark Robert Rank's, "Why American Poverty Affects Us All" Part 2, Entry 2

Original posting date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 1:45 PM

I agree with Rank's idea of the impact of race, education, and gender on the long-term risk of poverty. Due to the white male-dominant society we live in today, it is difficult to disagree with Rank's idea that white males with high quality education are the least at risk for experiencing poverty. According to the table provided by Rank called "The Cumulative Percent of Americans Who Experience Poverty by Race, Education, and Gender", the risk of poverty is dramatically altered by the combination of race and education. However, the long-term risk of poverty due to gender, presents identical experiences. I also agree with Rank's idea that "Race seems to be the most influential of the three characteristics in affecting the probability of poverty. By comparing individuals with similar gender and educational background, we can see the magnitude of this racial effect" (Why American Poverty Affects Us All, pg. 98). For instance, the issue of race persistently affects African American males that obtain the same quality education as white males. Their non-white status continues to be a factor, consequently, remaining at a higher risk of experiencing poverty throughout their lifetime. It is sad to admit that racial oppression still exists today and the struggle with finding equality in a white-male dominant society has been prevalent throughout history.

Mark Robert Rank's, "Why American Poverty Affects Us All" Part 2, Entry 1

Original posting date : Monday, October 17, 2011 11:31 AM

 

One of Rank's contentions is about the impact of race, education, and gender on the long-term risk of poverty. According to Rank, "...these three factors exert considerable influence on patterns of income inequality, social stratification, and economic life chances within the U.S." (Why American Poverty Affects Us All, pg. 95). He believes that low quality educated nonwhites and women, suffer considerably more through poverty than higher educated white-males. He supports his argument through presenting a table called "The Cumulative Percent of Americans Who Experience Poverty by Race, Education, and Gender." It provides evidence that "By age 28, the black population will have exceeded the cumulative level of lifetime poverty that the white population reaches by age 75" (Why American Poverty Affects Us All, pg. 96). Furthermore, the correlation between poverty and education, according to the table, shows that those with twelve or more years of education and white are less likely to experience poverty than African Americans and those with less than twelve years of education. Lastly, the connection between poverty and gender shows that women are more likely to experience poverty than men. However, Rank concludes, "The effect of gender on the probability of experiencing poverty for the first time is actually quite small" (Why American Poverty Affects Us All, pg. 97).

Mark Robert Rank's, "Why American Poverty Affects Us All" Chapter 3, Entry 2

Original posting date: Sunday, October 16, 2011 11:16 AM

I agree with Mark Robert Rank's two levels of understanding poverty through focusing on those suffering through poverty and poverty alone. Although his explanation concentrates on a negative view of the disadvantaged, he takes into consideration those that have fallen into poverty due to the inefficiencies within the structure itself. For instance, in association with the musical chairs analogy, he states, “In all likelihood, the losers will be those in an unfavorable position…those who are somewhat slower, less agile, and so on…However, if we focus on the game itself…even if every player were suddenly to double his or her speed and agility, there would still be two losers” (Why American Poverty Affects Us All, pg. 75). This correlation between the musical chairs game and what is occurring in America today in an economic, social, and political standpoint, I feel, is a suitable method in understanding how poverty affects us all. If we fail to become aware of this connection, we may never escape the rise of poverty and by no means achieve modification of societal inadequacies. Therefore, I believe that full understanding of the issue of poverty “must” derive from knowledge of both points of views. Understanding those in underprivileged situations and awareness of the structure of poverty itself will follow positive results through consciousness, action, and reformation.
 

Mark Robert Rank's, "Why American Poverty Affects Us All" Chapter 3, Entry 1

Original posting date: Friday, October 14, 2011 12:53 PM

One of Rank's contentions in Chapter 3 pertain to two levels of understanding poverty, identifying "who is more likely to experience poverty by understanding the impact that human capital has on individual economic vulnerability" and "we can ascertain why poverty occurs in the first place by looking at the structural failings" (Why American Poverty Affects Us All, pg. 75). He believes that we can understand poverty through choosing to analyze those in underprivileged situations or analyzing the cycle of poverty itself. Rank supports his belief by applying the idea of musical chairs as an example of the structure of poverty. For instance, as music starts to play 8 people begin to circle around 10 chairs, and as the music stops we can either focus on the people who fail to find a chair or focus on the game itself. If we center our attention on the players "we will find that some combination of luck and skill will be involved...the loser will be those in an unfavorable position when the music stops"(Why American Poverty Affects Us All, pg. 75). Rank believes that focusing on the players themselves means that those who lose are persons lacking the expertise and education to adequately compete against those who have acquired the knowledge for success. Concentrating on the game itself, you will find that regardless of proficiency and agility two players are intended to lose. Rank argues that this analogy can be used to understand what is occurring in America today, “…economically, socially, and politically” (Why American Poverty Affects Us All, pg. 75). Unemployment can be interpreted as a shortage of jobs, mass production of low-paying and non-beneficial jobs, a rise in communities affected by the economic reformation, lack of adequate help for the needy and those unable to contribute to the economy due to illness, and insufficient childcare. Rank is also certain that if we focus on the game itself, the main reason that people are poor in this country is that “the economy produces unemployment, creates low paying jobs, bypasses low income communities, offers few social supports and protection, and does not provide for those who can no longer participate economically due to illness” (Why American Poverty Affects Us All, pg. 76).