Reframing Poverty

Get Inspired: The Story We Tell About Poverty Isn’t True

Reframing Poverty. Our communities know what they need best. We're inviting your family to rethink the story of poverty and to think about how members of a community can join together to care for each other. Check out Mia Birdsong's TED Talk about retelling the story of poverty and community ingenuity.

Mia Birdsong calls for a reclamation of the stories of marginalized communities. She quotes Desmond Tutu, who said, "my humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours; we belong to a bundle of life. We are all connected, in a community with the responsibility to care for one another."

Let’s Talk

After listening to Mia Birdsong's TED Talk, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family:

• What stood out you about Mia's talk? What made you think?

• Mia shared stories about Jobana, Sintia, and Bertha; Theresa and Brianna; and Baakir. Which story resonated with you the most? Why?

• Think of a time when you had to get creative to accomplish something. What did you do? How did it make you feel?

• Bonus! Ask someone in your community if they need help, whether it’s helping a friend with homework or helping a parent with the dishes!

Do Something: Community Support Group

Create Community Support. In Mia’s TED Talk, she talks about a mom who created a community support group for parents who were trying to support kids struggling in school. What’s something in your life that you need support with? Remote learning? Learning a new skill? Financial challenges? Mental health? Chances are, there are other people in your community struggling with the same thing!

When we all come together to support each other, we feel empowered to overcome obstacles. Reach out to friends, family, classmates, coworkers, and neighbors and start a weekly check-in to support each other!

Community Connections: Chicago Furniture Bank

Help make a house a home! When families leave shelters and move into permanent housing, they often do not have many, if any, belongings. The Chicago Furniture Bank is a nonprofit organization that works to provide dignity, stability, and comfort to Chicagoans facing poverty by furnishing entire homes. Clients visit their warehouse to handpick furniture and kitchenware sets based on their personal style. Since 2018, they have furnished more than 6,900 homes! You can help by donating your extra household essentials, like cribs, tables and chairs, and dishes. Check out their wishlist, and contact them to schedule a pickup or drop-off.