Talking About Poverty At The Table

On Thursday September 12, starting at 8:30 am at The Brightside in neighboring Dayton, Ohio, an event called "At The Table," will be hosted by the Springfield chapter of Think Tank's Change Leader Alliance. According to their website, At the Table, "is a conversational event that encourages people from different backgrounds to sit at the table with one another and learn together in a supportive environment."

Those conversations will involve the perspective: "Poverty in our communities is linked to barriers like incarceration, addiction, mental illness, lack of education, and racial inequity. Beyond these barriers are human beings."

As is often said: "one may judge any society by how well it treats those of the lowest social status."

Another instructive maxim reads, "either we all matter; or none of us do."

Many in our communities feel that poverty is not their concern because no one they know lives in poverty, and if they do, it is likely their fault. Regardless of whose fault it may be, if we want wellbeing for ourselves and those in our immediate communities, it is wise to concern ourselves with the wellbeing of all.

It's challenging living "your best life," when you don't have equitable access to things like gainful employment opportunities, gainful educational experiences, quality health care, or a loving and supportive family. In our interconnected communities one person's stress or state of extreme desperation can easily become someone else's problem.

It's hard for many of us to admit that there even are persons of low, lower, and lowest social status in our communities. But it's undeniably true. You can put that notion to the test any day. Just leave the house (assuming you are housed) wearing flip flops and sweatpants that have seen better days, unkempt hair, and a well-travelled backpack, and compare how you are treated then to when you venture into the city wearing a clean, pressed suit, hair perfectly groomed, and nothing else save for a fashionable purse or stylish messenger bag. It could mean the difference between being offered a cappuccino or being shown the door by security.

This year, Think Tank is partnering with several organizations across the country to host At The Table. Other At The Table events will be held on the same day in: Montgomery Alabama; Columbus, Georgia; Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  Attendees will engage in 20-minute one-on-one, or small group conversations with local Change Leaders who share their personal experiences related to poverty. These speakers are local Change Leaders that draw upon their personal experiences to help inform and improve their community. 

The event aims to create a positive, affirmative space for dialogue on challenging topics, dismantle stereotypes, and celebrate the strengths and gifts of many who have lived-experience in poverty. During each session, attendees will sit down with a Change Leader for 20 minutes to have an open dialogue on their lived experience. Then, they will relocate to the next table to have a discussion with a second Change Leader. This process repeats a third time to conclude three 20-minute conversation with Change Leaders.

Tickets for At The Table, Dayton may be purchased here.