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We Can Act As Champions
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) sponsors an annual survey called the "Poverty Pulse." According to the latest Poverty Pulse survey by the CCHD, most Americans – 62 percent – think an increase in poverty in the United States would threaten national security. The survey also found that 91 percent of the public is concerned about health care, that 62 percent think there are more people “living in poverty today than there were a year ago” while 60 percent think the ranks of poverty will grow further by next year; and that many believe federal support for health and education should take priority over spending on national defense, fighting terrorism, and engaging in war.
When asked whether “an increase in poverty will hurt our national security,” 24 percent said they “strongly agree” that it will, while 38 percent said they “agree,” for a total of 62 percent. Another 24 percent were neutral, neither agreeing nor disagreeing; 12 percent said they disagree with the statement and 2 percent said they strongly disagree.
Attempting to identify “the single most significant cause of poverty,” 17 percent cited “lack of work that pays a living wage”; 15 percent said “lack of education,” and 12 percent replied “lack of initiative-laziness.”
In assigning the “greatest responsibility” for responding to poverty, 32 percent zeroed in on “everyone-general public,” an increase of 3 percentage points from the January 2006 Poverty Pulse; 41 percent looked to the government (28 percent federal; 13 percent local and state); 18 percent chose “the poor themselves,” and lastly only 3 percent selected “churches” as having the greatest responsibility for alleviating poverty.
Asked to suggest the “single best way to permanently break the cycle of poverty in the United States,” 25 percent said, “better education for children,” 24 percent said “pay living wages to low-income workers,” 11 percent said “a better economy,” and 10 percent said “development of leadership skills among low-income people.”
The 2007 Poverty Pulse, conducted Dec. 7-11, 2006, with 1,027 total respondents, is the 7th consecutive “wave” or survey undertaken by the CCHD, the domestic anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Based on these very recent survey findings, it is very clear that nationally people are more conscious than ever about the issues and solutions for addressing poverty. Loudoun County is an affluent community and the majority of us have privileged lives. Historically Loudoun County has a strong and proud tradition of volunteerism and we are driven by a common desire to improve the communities where we live and work by forming lasting volunteer partnerships with local organizations. Through a commitment to service excellence we touch the lives of many people and promote hope and goodwill. We are involved in many community outreach projects that directly support our neighborhoods. These initiatives focus on civic opportunities, education, environment, safety and security and people living in need. We are tutors, mentors, classroom speakers, fund-raisers, board members and food drive organizers, among many other roles.
In Loudoun County, we must be the ones to volunteer our time and resources. We can act as champions in our respective communities, using our own job related skills (i.e. program management, business development, software and system engineering) to work with organizations that interweave community obligations with the desire to uplift and support those living in need. The pressure of a growing population with tremendous cultural diversity challenges our community leaders. Our government infrastructure, churches, civic organizations and corporations need to work in unison to make certain that there is funding and programs in place to assure that no children go without attending school, receiving regular meals or wearing proper clothing and shoes. Let no family, regardless of any situation, go without shelter and be humbled beyond repair. In this way there is always a focus on achieving the common good for the entire community.
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