Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America

Rural Poverty in America

From Spotlight on Poverty.org

Mil Duncan explores the extent and trends of rural poverty
Mil Duncan, executive director of the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire, explores the extent of rural poverty in America. In a video commentary, Duncan discusses the disturbing trends in rural poverty and urges the presidential candidates and policy makers to address its many sides. To view the commentary in full, click here

This December Make the Campaign to Reduce Poverty Personal

December brings about a season of giving. With the average cost of a gallon of gas at $3.00 and winter weather necessitating higher energy bills, families across the country must choose between buying food and paying bills or trying to buy Christmas presents for their children. As we begin this season of giving, let us not forget the 36.5 million people living in poverty in this nation. Millions of who are working in full time jobs that do not pay enough to raise them above the poverty line.

This month as part of the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America, learn more about a livable wage by participating in one or more of the following activities.

Did you know that the federal minimum wage is $5.85 an hour? If you are lucky enough to earn more than the minimum wage, consider doing one of the following activities:

• Research the minimum wage in your county and compare that the average living wage needed: State Minimum Wage and the Living Wage Calculator.
• Learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can help low-income workers increase their earnings.
• Calculate what you earn for one day's work in you current job. An 8 hour day at the federal minimum wage is $46.80 (pre-tax). Donate the difference to your local Catholic Charities Agency
• Volunteer at your local Catholic Charities agency
• Donate to and/or volunteer at programs that help low-wage workers receive job-training
• Take the Food Stamp Challenge. Many low-wage workers depend on food stamps to supplement their incomes.

Christmas giving ideas:

• Instead of a gift, donate 46.80 in the name of the person for whom you are shopping

• Have each member of your family pick an ornament from a giving tree or donate a present to a toy drive

• Purchase socially just presents, fair trade items or alternative gifts.  Support programs that offer fair wages, job and skills training through your gift purchases, such as these:

  http://gifts.crs.org/

http://www.crsfairtrade.org/crafts/

http://www.usccb.org/cchd/edshopping.shtml

http://www.tomorrowproject.org/

http://www.alternativegifts.org/

http://www.agreatergift.org

http://www.agreatergift.org/

Other News from the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America

Did you know that Catholic Charities agencies serve one in every 10 people living in poverty?
Read Poverty in America: Beyond the Numbers, a report based on data from Catholic Charities agencies replies to our annual survey.

Who do I contact for more information?  Please contact Monica Maggiano, Senior Campaign Manager, mmaggiano@catholiccharitiesusa.org