How to create opportunity for those struggling in America?
By The Policy Circle Team
“Continued dependence upon relief induces a spiritual disintegration fundamentally destructive to the national fiber. To dole our relief in this way is to administer a narcotic, a subtle destroyer of the human spirit.”
Do you know who said this?
Hint: His New Deal laid the foundation for today’s welfare programs. Even he knew that long term dependency destroys the desire to want to change one’s own life. If you guessed Franklin D. Roosevelt, you are right.
So what is to be done to move the needle on poverty – which has hovered at about 15% for more than 50 years? $22 trillion in government spending has not changed the poverty rate – it is time for new approach.
The Jack Kemp Foundation will tackle this and other issues at its Forum on Expanding Opportunity from on May 11 in Chicago. In a quest to strengthen social safety nets and empower workforce participation and stability, this event will facilitate action-oriented conversations among policy and community leaders.
All Policy Circle members are invited to register to attend this May 11 Kemp Forum on Expanding Opportunity.
The keynote speech will be delivered by Speaker Paul Ryan, who will be joined by U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis and Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner as well as other federal, state and local elected officials, professional athletes and community leaders from Chicago and around the nation throughout the day.
“Engaging and recognizing exceptional leaders who champion the American Dream is critical for our nation’s future,” says Jimmy Kemp, president of the Jack Kemp Foundation. “In Chicago, we want to support action and not just dialogue that help pave the way for a better future for all.”
Last month five Policy Circle women attended a planning session for this event and, using their roundtable discussion skills, helped facilitate small group discussions among community leaders and other stakeholders.
All Policy Circle members are invited to register to attend the May 11 Kemp Forum on Expanding Opportunity.
To prepare for the event, be sure to read the updated Policy Circle Brief on Poverty. You’ll find updated figures and new groups highlighted that are doing work to create opportunity based for those wanting a better life for themselves and their families.
Sign up today for the May 11 Kemp Forum on Expanding Opportunity – space is limited!
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