News

Mary Virtue is working on the National Conversation on Poverty and Economic Security

Summary
The National Conversation on Poverty and Economic Security (NCPES) is working toward a national agenda to reduce poverty and increase economic security.  Our first national event was held in May 2007 and hosted by the Community Action network.  We brought together policy makers, foundation officers, academics, staff from nonprofits and faith-based initiatives as well as people from the Community Action network. Together we shared our best ideas and began to develop the goals, strategies and accountability measures that will guide us in our work toward an economically fair America. 

COMMUNITY ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS During the Fall and Winter of 2007, the Community Action network, through a process that engages people in communities and states across the country, will be finalizing Community Action's Recommendations.    

NATIONAL CONVERSATION ON POVERTY AND ECONOMIC SECURITY The Community Action Recommendations will join with other agendas that organizations such as Catholic Charities, Economic Policy Institute, Center for American Progress and others across the country are developing to address economic security and get people engaged in building the national will to reduce and end poverty.  All of these agendas reflect an increasing concern for the poor.  We want to be sure that these many plans strengthen rather than divide those who are committed to this work.  We believe there is a unique opportunity emerging for many different organizations and groups to come together and crease a new social commitment to prosperity for all Americans. 

Community action agencies have been providing services that help low-income people attain self-sufficiency.  This experience, and our reach to almost every county in the United States , makes us the appropriate network to catalyze and facilitate a national conversation that includes all sectors.  In the spring of 2008, we will bring everyone to the table who will be part of building a public commitment and implementing the programs that will move everyone in this country to economic security.  

The NCPES Advisory Committee includes leaders from many of these sectors.  Over the Fall of 2007 we will be expanding the Committee and bringing these leaders together to plan the Spring 2008 gathering.  At this gathering we will begin the process of preparing a national agenda and take the first steps toward the implementation of it.  The Community Action Partnership and NASCSP are providing the leadership for this initiative. 

We know that there are issues, theories and philosophies that divide, but we also believe that many Americans are ready for solutions.  The Community Action network is ready to lead the country toward those solutions.