Culture, Poverty, and
Social Justice
Organizations
A Semester in Review

Overview
 Doug‟s Reflection
 Jess‟ Reflection
 Adam‟s Reflection

Doug‟s Reflection
Defining Poverty - The extent to which an individual does
without resources
 Financial
 Emotional
 Mental
 Spiritual
 Physical
 Support systems
 Relationships/Role Models
Payne, R.K.(2005). A Framework for Understanding Poverty. Aha! Process, Inc: Highlands, Texas.

Doug‟s Reflection
 Payne‟s Framework for Poverty
 Poverty, Middle Class, & Wealthy
 “An individual brings with him/her the hidden rules of
the class in which he/she was raised”
 Where do we stand as class members or individuals?
 If there are rules, how do we get out of our particular
class or do we?

Doug‟s Reflection
 Slippery Rock University‟s Respect for Individuals
 President‟s Task Force on
Cultural Awareness

Doug‟s Reflection
“Slippery Rock University provides an environment that
respects, encourages, and promotes the talents and
contributions of all. Slippery Rock University values a
community with a shared sense of purpose, where
people demonstrate mutual respect and appreciation.
Slippery Rock University values diversity that honors
and includes all persons regardless of age, creed,
disability, ethnic heritage, gender, gender identity, race,
religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status in
academic and extracurricular endeavor, in the working
environment, and in the daily life of the university
community.”

Jessica‟s Reflection
ACCESS: How one group of students made a difference
http://accesscharity.ca/

Jessica‟s Reflection
“Education is a human right with immense power to
transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of
freedom, democracy and sustainable human
development.” – Kofi Annan
 Host a fundraiser in your community
 Raise awareness with Campaign materials
 Have ACCESS give a presentation in your classroom
 Use Educator resources to stimulate discussion

Jessica‟s Reflection
Current Initiatives for ACCESS
 School Uniforms
 High School Student Sponsorship.
 University Student Sponsorship
 School Supplies
 Girls for a better future

Jessica‟s Reflection
 ACCESS Educator Materials
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Lesson Plans
Online Games
Quotes and Prayers
Recommended Reading
“Teaching is a vocation – a calling. We are called to not only
educate, but to empower and engage today’s youth. As
teachers, we have a great responsibility to teach the curriculum
and prepare our students to be well informed and well
equipped with the tools and knowledge for a bright future.
However, more than ever before, we have a moral
responsibility to our students.”

Adam‟s Reflection
 How can we combat poverty?
 Find agencies that provide services to:
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foundations
not-for-profit organizations
universities
international aid agencies
governments
 PIPRA “improves the ability of organizations around the
world as they work in research, development, and
delivery of technologies for the poor.”
 Intellectual Property Rights, Technology Scouting, Licensing
and Agreements, & Commercialization Strategy

How does this change the way I do my job?
 The link between poverty and going to college seems
obvious, but there is more to it
 Schools need to work for everyone, though they are
generally operated by middle class norms
 Students bring hidden rules of the family, in which
they were raised
 Issues with language can cause students to perform
poorly on state tests
 students from generational poverty not to fully develop the cognitive structures
needed

 Two things that help one move out of poverty are
education andrelationships
 All of these things need to be considered when coming
up with an approach
 Educational opportunities and personal/cultural growth
and enrichment

 Duquesne‟s Spiritan Identity and Mission
 „meeting the needs of the people‟
 Working with the people for betterment
 Our position as educators
 Using technology to help fight poverty and educational
issues