Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America

Nobody in the U.S. can afford to ignore poverty- by Michael Ford, executive director of Catholic Community Services of Northern Nevada

By Michael Ford

It's easy to ignore poverty when we think of it as something that just happens to "poor people."

As hard-working Americans, we believe that the poor need only get a job in order to turn their lives around.

The fact is, nearly two out of three families with incomes below the poverty level include at least one person who does have a job. A low-paying job, that is.

About a quarter of the full-time jobs in the United States pay less than two-thirds of national median earnings. Low-income earners may work longer hours or more than one job but still struggle to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads or maintain health insurance. And the more hours worked, the less likely they are to acquire the training and skills necessary to move into higher paying jobs and out of poverty. Continue Reading

Poverty in the Diocese of Albany - A Threat to the Common Good - guest post

Many ask for ideas about how to mobilize around the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America.  This PSM News & Notes submission highlights the work of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany.

Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany has joined the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America and its goal to cut poverty in half in the United States by 2020.

To launch this campaign, the agency has published "Poverty in the Diocese of Albany: A Threat to the Common Good." This report provides a portrait of poverty in the 14 counties of the diocese and suggests public policies that address the main factors that contribute to poverty. The report was written as a resource for parishes, social justice committees, faith formation programs and Catholic schools as they advocate on behalf of those in need in their communities. It includes general public policy suggestions in each of five issue areas: income insecurity, education, hunger and inadequate nutrition, health care and housing. A supplement will be issued each year to inform Catholics and their concerned partners about specific initiatives that state and federal legislators will be considering.

Poverty is a problem that affects us all

Poverty is a problem that impacts us all

For those in Michigan lucky enough to see poverty as someone else's problem, or no more of one than the moment of guilt as one breezes past the Salvation Army red buckets over the holidays, there's news for you: Poverty in Michigan is everyone's problem. While solutions may be maddeningly elusive, Michigan ignores poverty at its peril.

A recent report from the Michigan League of Human Services won't come as shocking news to anyone in this state. It found that, over the course of this decade, poverty levels have risen, and more and more Michigan families are being squeezed between declining or stagnant wages and ever-rising prices read more

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

Sharing the work Catholic Charities on YouTube

Have you seen the latest video spreading around the internet? Have you ever visited YouTube?

Some Catholic Charities Agencies are using YouTube to host videos and ads of the great work they do.

Check out this link to see Catholic Charities of Brockton giving out food for Thanksgiving.

A quick search shows Catholic Charities of Danbury hosting Al Roker, Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen's Wheelchair Foundation Program, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver's kinship program.

Watch the videos and learn more about the great work of Catholic Charities.

Faith, Hope and Charity- Gone Fishin'

CCUSA welcomes David Siler from Catholic Charities and Family Ministries in Indianapolis as our guest blogger.

The ancient Chinese proverb says “give a man a fish, he eats for a day, but teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime.”  I think we just say “ancient Chinese proverb” when we have a pretty neat saying and we don’t know where it came from. Regardless, I like this saying, but for Catholics I believe that it needs further exploration.

In our Catholic Charities programs and services we recognize both elements of this proverb: if someone has no fish and they are hungry, we must feed them; and if they do not know how to fish, we must teach them how. When a person’s belly is empty, it is no time to stop and ask why they are hungry. We must first meet this immediate need and then begin to learn what is needed for them to stay well fed and nourished.

God’s justice about our world would also have us ask a whole bunch of additional questions after our guest is well fed for today and days to come. We also need to ask, “Can our friend afford a fishing pole? Does she have adequate transportation to get to the stream to fish in the first place? If he learns to fish but becomes sick or disabled, who will catch his fish for him so that he can still eat? Is anyone polluting the river upstream from our hungry friend? Has someone put a net across the river and taken all of the fish? What if she has a learning disability and cannot learn to fish? Is anyone trying to keep him from getting to the stream to fish? What if she cannot catch enough fish for her entire family? What if there are no fish in this part of the stream?

These are just some of the questions that make our seemingly simple proverb a bit more complex. The answer to just one aspect of poverty, hunger, is not as simple as a fishing lesson. 

I often hear people, after climbing up on their very tall horse, say all kinds of judgmental things about our brother or sister in need -- the most common by far is, “if they would just pick themselves up by their bootstraps and stop being so lazy, they would not be poor”. I suppose that this sage advice might apply to some, but this judgment does not seem to come from a place of compassion and love – the kind that Christ demonstrated so well.

Another ancient proverb might help here – “never judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes”.  I have never had to walk in my bare feet because I could not afford shoes or had to walk in an old worn out pair, so I cannot say I have experienced first hand poverty. But, our Catholic Charities staff and I walk alongside people every day with ill-fitting shoes or no boots at all let alone the straps to go with them and have learned that no two stories are alike and judgment does not buy a new pair of shoes.

Help Make Poverty a Priority in the '08 Elections

As candidates campaign for elected office at the local, state, and national levels, question the candidates and ask them how they will address the important issue of poverty in our nation. CCUSA has provided instructions, sample questions,and the platform of the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America to help you raise this issue in candidate forums around the country at the local, state, and national levels.

Download elections_08.pdf

CCUSA Staff breaks a sweat!

Yesterday, our Catholic Charities USA staff ignored our emails, let our calls go to voicemail and put on t-shirts. We went to the Franklin School Shelter operated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC . In a one day sweep we scrubbed, painted and washed to help them get ready to bring in mental health services and to make the place a little brighter for the 300 men who use the shelter each night.  Check out the pictures below:

As Promised....Things we Talked about Today!

People ARE making a difference. We heard from NY, OH, IN, ID, MO, MN and OK agencies participating in the Campaign on a conference call. The purpose of our conference call was to share ideas, ask questions and hear from each other.  We promised to give you the links for some of the resources and tools mentioned so, here they are:

Field Events from CCUSA: Download CCUSAFieldEvents.doc 

Implementation Plans

• Kansas City, MO Download CCKansasImplementationplan.xls 
• Long Island Download LongIslandYearlyPlan.doc 

Homeletic Talking Points

• Catholic Charities of Kansas City, MO's Example Download Homeletictalkingpoints.doc 

Latest version of Koinonia, the PSM Newsletter

• http://povertyinamerica.typepad.com/Koinonia.pdf

What Call are you talking about?  If you'd like to be included on future conference calls about the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America, or you have great ideas you want to share submit a comment and let us know or Contact  us at Poverty(at)Catholiccharitiesusa.org

Ways to Localize the Campaign in your Parish

The summer issue of Koinonia, the newsletter of the Parish Social Ministry Section, highlights local Campaign efforts around the country.

It addresses how to localize the Campaign to Reduce Poverty within your parish community. In this issue, learn how three different dioceses implemented the campaign in their communities. Review a comprehensive list of resources available for programs and education. How have you started the discussion of poverty in your community?  How are you locally implementing the Campaign?

Click here to find more tools and resources for the Campaign on a local level.

Reaching Children through the Parents, and Reaching Parents through the Children

Catholic Charities of St. Paul & Minneapolis offers many opportunities and supports for fathers through the Parenting Services program. The motto of our services is “Reaching Children through the Parents, and Reaching Parents through the Children.” Our philosophy is one of relationship. We partner with families to support them through life’s transitions. There are four primary components of our services for fathers

Young Men In Transition (YMIT) – Support for Teen Dads through groups, activities and individual mentorship. Most of the outreach and groups are conducted directly in the St Paul High Schools. The focus is to support the young dads as they engage with their children and continue their education.

Positive Alternatives – A state grant that promotes “positive alternatives to abortions.” We offer services to new and expecting fathers that include birth ed classes, support groups, law clinics and home visits.

Dads Connection – The target population is low-income, non-custodial fathers. These men are recognized as fathers and treated with the respect they deserve

Family Formation Project – A partnership with the University of Minnesota on their new research project. The goal is to partner Mentor Couples with young, unmarried couples who have a child together and could benefit from the involvement of role-models in their lives who have a positive view of marriage.

Learn more about Catholic Charities of St. Paul & Minneapolis

Post Submitted by Nate Rauschendorfer, MSW, LGSW

Localizing Efforts

37 million people in this country live in poverty; thats an astounding and quite large number. How can you get others in your community to care and then act to reduce poverty when the problem seems so large?      

Try localizing the information- what is it like to be poor in YOUR community? Who are those who are most affected? What actions can you do locally to help the poor?

Paint the picture for others by using resources about poverty in your community. Find out how your state ranks in terms of poverty by using the Catholic Campaign for Human Development's Poverty Map (http://www.usccb.org/cchd/povertyusa/map.htm)

Use statistics from your agency or an agency in your community that serves the poor. Talk about how many people request assistance from food banks, health care clinics, homeless shelters, social service providers in YOUR city.

Take the tools that CCUSA has provided through the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America and tailor them your community so that more people feel called to ACT!

Do you have the next great idea? Share your great ideas with others by posting them on this blog!

Catholic Charities of Baltimore Dedicates Innovative Center to help People Escape Poverty

“We are writing the ultimate turnaround story here. Those who are supporting us in this bold effort recognize that providing opportunities for people to turn from lives mired in chronic poverty to lives of self reliance through employment and stable housing is worth this investment in people and in the economic impact they will make on Baltimore,” said Harold A. Smith, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Baltimore of his agency’s new Our Daily Bread Employment Center.  

Today, with the help of William Henry Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore; Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley; and other city dignitaries, Smith’s agency dedicated Our Daily Bread Employment Center—the city’s first comprehensive resource center designed to help people and their families escape the impact of poverty by providing a centralized array of vital services.

ODBEC houses three existing Catholic Charities programs:

• Our Daily Bread daily hot meal program;
• Christopher Place Employment Academy, a residential program for formerly homeless men aimed at employment and permanent housing; and
• Maryland Re-entry Partnership, a program that enables formerly incarcerated men to successfully reintegrate into the community.

The Center also provides case management and an array of services by Catholic Charities as well as partner providers. These services include eviction prevention services, emergency and referral services, job-readiness assistance, job referral services, job placement, job retention and follow up, adult basic education, medical services (limited), recovery support, assistance with criminal background issues, access to computers and telephones, mail distribution, and workshops on home ownership, financial literacy and healthy relationships.

Through the employment opportunities offered at ODBEC, the Agency expects 350 people to be employed every year. By the end of their first year of work, annual wages of over $6.5 million will have been put back into the community.

“This comprehensive program is exactly what is needed to help break the cycle of poverty that holds back so many people in our nation,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, which recently launched a campaign to cut poverty rates in half by 2020. “The fact is that families struggling in poverty often need assistance in several areas – including job services, food, housing and health care, and this program is a model for providing a one-stop center to address all of these needs.”

To learn more, read The Baltimore Sun’s article—“Soup kitchen becomes a depot for change; Catholic Charities building is a place of transition - offering hope and positive direction for life journeys”

Jamaica HomeBase - Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Prevention. Intervention. Outreach. These are all essential actions we need to take in order to break the cycle of poverty in our communities.

How is this possible? Take a look at Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens' Jamaica HomeBase Homeless Prevention Community Resource Center, a partnership with the NYC Department of Homeless Services.

The center, conveniently located in the heart of Queens Community District 12, provides case management, emergency assistance, counseling, and referral services. The center's mission is to save families before they end up in shelters. According to Robert Siebel, executive director/CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens, "Housing is central to our mission." It is a source of "hope, an essential catalyst in life."

Jamaica HomeBase is one of six HomeBase locations providing vital services and support. This summer, the program will expand citywide.

Kids Smile at Catholic Charities Maine

Tooth decay is one of the few preventable health problems today, yet it is the most common chronic childhood disease across the country. To combat this problem, Catholic Charities Maine has been working to meet the dental needs of low-income families since 1971.

Catholic Charities Maine operates the Jessie Albert Memorial Dental Center, a community-based nonprofit. The center began as the vision of Jessie Albert, a community volunteer who was concerned about the desperate need for affordable dental health facilities for children. Last year the center served more than 5,600 children.

"Parents who bring their children to Jessie Albert find that we want to make their child's visit a positive experience and we are committed to providing the highest standards of dental care," commented Dr. Meredith Davis, one of the center's four full-time dentists. "This means modern equipment, patient friendly rooms, and a caring, comfortable environment."

Catholic Charities USA is proud the Jessie Albert Memorial Dental Center. Catholic Charities Maine is doing their part to make a difference in the lives of low-income children and families.  We believe access to health care is a basic human right, essential to maintaining the dignity of human life.

This month the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America is focusing on the well-being of our children. Share your own stories about this issue by commenting at http://povertyinamerica.typepad.com/campaign/2007/05/shary_your_stor.html

Into the Pews

Everyone at your parish refers to the parish bulletin as a source of important issues and events on a local level.  We have developed text for a bulletin item or to be printed as a bulletin insert.

Use this bulletin item to show your support of the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America and encourage your local community to get involved.

CCUSA also has brochures available for your parish vestibule.  Email Poverty@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org for materials.

Programs That Address Poverty

Submitted by Carol Peck, Senior Director, Family Services, Catholic Charities USA

Here are some new or innovative services/programs that address poverty taken from the Catholic Charities USA 2005 Annual Survey Results. Tell us about your programs and services that help address poverty issues in your community.

Albuquerque, NM Catholic Charities
“Using Computer ESL Class to Learn About the World of Work” is an innovative program at Catholic Charities in Albuquerque which serves low-income, underrepresented, underserved residents of Albuquerque’s South Valley. The program assists adults in obtaining English speaking, reading, and writing skills in conjunction with civic education in a computer-based setting.

Albany, NY Catholic Charities
In 2005 Albany Catholic Charities Housing program established a program for individuals in need of professional clothing to secure employment and helps individuals who have found employment to secure permanent housing.

Cincinnati Catholic Social Services of Southwestern Ohio
Su Casa Hispanic Ministry is serving the Hispanic/Latino community in the Greater Cincinnati area. Programs include educational services, Medicaid and clinic services, community resources, outreach, employment referral, job fairs, housing, and transportation services.

Dallas Catholic Charities
Job Placement for Success is a program that serves the underserved of East Dallas with skills and job placement to help achieve self sufficiency.

Evansville, IN Catholic Charities
The Neighbor to Neighbor Program is a financial assistance program targeting low income individuals/families with a seven week-38 hour course. The innovative curriculum has a strong concentration on goal setting and moving forward toward self-sufficiency in body, mind, and soul. The individual has the opportunity to learn ideas, skills and resources, including an opportunity to grow in their relationship with God. The program is funded by a religious foundation grant.

Kansas City, MO Catholic Charities
HUD Case Management, HomePlus, and Northland Supportive Housing programs provide permanent housing through HUD funding. Case managers assist persons who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness to secure and maintain permanent housing.

Compassion in Action Breakfast: Poverty Has Many Faces

Submitted by Lindsay Hansen

On Wednesday, May 2, Catholic Charities’ in Phoenix will be hosting its final annual Compassion in Action breakfast, focusing on Poverty and how we help the most vulnerable people in our communities. The event will be held at the Arizona Biltmore from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.

The goal of the gathering is to invite more people to become friends and supporters of Catholic Charities and raise funds for the more than 50 programs that benefit people in need in Central and Northern Arizona.

“Poverty is an issue that affects all of us,” said Catholic Charities CEO Paul Martodam.  “Arizona is ranked as the 16th worst state in the country in terms of citizens living in poverty.  We’re inviting people from parishes, businesses, and the community at large so that we can educate them about the breadth and depth of our services and the impact of our work in Arizona.”

The breakfast is a free event – there is no charge to attend.  It will be the job of Catholic Charities to inspire the attendees to want to support our programs.  Community leaders, board members and Catholic Charities’ supporters will host a table and invite others in the community to attend.

Corporations, foundations and individuals have committed to sponsor this event.  We are extremely grateful for our presenting sponsors: Schaller Anderson and Opus.  Additionally, the following companies have agreed to be patron sponsors: St. Joe’s Hospital and Medical Center, Walsh Bros., Sharko’s, Magnalite Distributors and Leathers, Milligan & Associates. 

For more information about the first annual Compassion in Action breakfast, please contact Sylvia Hopkins at Catholic Charities (602) 285-1999 ext. 3930 or Lindsay Hansen at (602) 285-1999 ext. 3903. 

At your next Board meeting ...

At your next Board of Trustees meeting, after a presentation on the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America, resolve as a Board to support the campaign and its goals.

Use this template resolution to help shape the conversation with your Board.

Invite Board members to endorse the campaign

On a national level, Janet Valente Pape, Chair of the Catholic Charities USA Board of Trustees, mailed a letter to all members of the Board, encouraging them to endorse the campaign as an individual, and as an agency. Click here to view the sample letter.

This letter can also be modified to use for other committees, community groups and partners.

Family of Dentists Volunteer Time, Toothpaste and Tenderness

Catholic Charities USA has named a Tucson, AZ, family of three generations of dentists its 2007 National Volunteers of the Year.

Sam Marascalco, DDS, his son-in-law Phil Mooberry, DDS, and grandson Nick Mooberry, DDS, volunteer at Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona’s St. Elizabeth’s Clinic. Known affectionately as St. E’s, the clinic provides thousands of uninsured adults and children with low-cost dental care. Last year, St. E’s volunteer dentists conducted 7,313 dental visits with patients, completing fillings, dentures, partials, cleanings, and emergency exams.

“With too many people in our country unable to get access to crucial health and dental care, these three remarkable dentists are using their special skills to provide an invaluable service to some of their most vulnerable neighbors,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. “The Catholic Charities family is grateful for their dedication to their community and the Catholic Charities mission.”

“Volunteering at St. E’s is how this family gives back to the community.  St. E’s is part of ‘their family’ and they all believe that providing their dental skills is a unique way to help others in the community,” said Nancy Johnson, executive director for St. Elizabeth’s. “They are here consistently and always ready to help with a special project, advocacy efforts, a letter of support, etc.”

Learn more about this remarkable trio. Their work is a testament of God's love and a prime example of how each and every one of us can make a difference in the lives of our less fortunate brothers and sisters. They will be honored on September 15 at Catholic Charities USA's Annual Gathering in Cincinnati, OH.

Submit an Op Ed to your local paper

Catholic Charities of Buffalo CEO Denis Walczyk had a Op Ed published in the Buffalo News calling on our leaders to make poverty a priority. Click here to read the article.

Fr. John Estrem, President of Catholic Charities of the Twin Cities had an Op Ed published asking Minnesota to get serious about ending poverty.  Click here to read the article.

Make poverty a campaign issue was the theme of Carolyn Portanova's Op Ed in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.  Ms. Portanova is the President and CEO of the Catholic Family Center.  Click here to read the article and comments online.

Encourage employees to support the campaign

What can you do as an employer to help share the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America?

One great idea that has worked in Paterson, NJ is to use a one page payroll insert that goes to every employee. It serves more than one purpose; it lets more people know about the Campaign and asks them to make reducing Poverty a priority, and it also makes a statement that your organization believes that its time to ACT to reduce poverty!

Feel free to customize this sample insert to suit your needs!

Can your dinner help reduce Poverty?

“It’s not about the beans. It’s about the women.”

The Tomorrow Project, a program of Rachel’s Women’s Center, sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of San Diego, helps homeless women learn job-readiness skills and small business expertise. The women, who deal with a range of barriers to self-suffiency including substance abuse and psychological issues, assemble and sell a unique array of homemade soup mixes. They learn job-readiness skills, gain confidence and receive counseling to help them "visualize a brighter future of self-sufficiency and independent living."

Supporting programs such as The Tomorrow Project is another easy way to help reduce poverty.  Learn more about the project and order soups at www.tomorrowproject.org.

Letters to the Editor - Hunger in America

In the April Action Alert, the network was asked to support the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America by sending letters to the editor of your local newspapers about hunger in your community and the importance of strengthening our nation’s nutrition safety net.

The following are some sample letters that have been published around the country:

• La Crosse (WI) Tribune, 4/9/2007, Letter to the Editor: Gas prices and the working poor
• The Daily Review (Hayward, CA), 4/5/2007, Letter to the Editor: Abolish hunger
• Bellingham (WA) Herald, 4/2007, Letter to the Editor: So many people locally need food
• Modesto (CA) Bee, 4/19/07, Letter to the Editor: Food stamps will alleviate hunger

Click here to learn more about how you can send you own letter to the editor.

Ways to Connect with the Campaign

Submitted by Joseph Duffy, Catholic Charities of Paterson, NJ

I think that an initial and ongoing task of the Campaign to Reduce Poverty has got to be to raise the awareness of people in our local communities about poverty.

One way to do that is to invite people to read and learn about the campaign, sign on to endorse it, and then pass it forward to others to do the same. I think too it is incumbent upon us in leadership at the local level to take the information CCUSA has put together on poverty in this country and then adapt it to the local situation so as we alert people to poverty they will realize it is in their own backyard. Perhaps we can use this blog to share creative ways in which to inform and invite others to learn about and endorse the campaign.

Our national staff created a one page flier with an endorsement form on the bottom that provides an overview of the Campaign and the opportunity to endorse it online or by fax. I took that flier and added comparable local figures and used it as a payroll stuffer for the almost 1000 employees of Catholic charities in Paterson. That same flier is now in stands in the back of the room wherever we go for speaking engagements, health fairs, etc, and in our waiting rooms. In one of our offices, a volunteer who saw it volunteered to sit in the waiting room with a clipboard and invite others to read and sign.

That same flier is also suitable for bulletin inserts. You could provide it  by e-mail or hard copy and invite pastors to duplicate it as a bulletin insert. Monica at CCUSA also developed great sample bulletin blurbs that could be stand alone messages in parish bulletins informing and calling people to action, or used in combination with the flier. Does anyone have some comments or some other original ideas?