Society of St.

Vincent de Paul WESTERN REGION Information from

Voice of the Poor

SEPTEMBER 2013
VOICE OF THE POOR Voice of the Poor does not take positions for or against a political party or individual candidates. However, Voice of the Poor is interested in working with those elected officials, whether Republicans or Democrats, who support initiatives that will benefit people in poverty, children, elderly, immigrants (documented or not), and all of those served by SVdP.

INDEX

SPEAKING AGAINST INJUSTICE LEADERSHIP AND VOICE OF THE POOR SNAP: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN - A CALL TO ACTION TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES JUST WAGES AFFORDABLE CARE ACT IMMIGRATION REFORM THE TIME IS NOW BISHOPS ON THE BORDER

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SPIRITUAL REFLECTION SPEAKING AGAINST INJUSTICE

By Giulio Grecchi, VOP, Tucson Diocesan Council

It is possible to become discouraged about the injustice we see everywhere. But, God did not promise us that the world would be humane and just. He gives us the gift of life and allows us to choose the way we will use our limited time on earth. (Csar Chvez) Csar Chvez was certainly not the only one to see the presence of injustice everywhere. Often we hear people lamenting that things are not right in the world and that evil seems to have taken the upper hand. This should not be entirely surprising; St. Paul had warned us of the consequences of freedom and free choice. For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for selfindulgence, but through love become slaves to one another (St. Paul Gal 5:13) Often, we tend to conclude automatically that problems originate from those in politics, or in the media, or in business, etc., and we summarily judge their behavior as corrupt and immoral. We also tend to exempt ourselves from any responsibility. However, St. Paul said, All have sinned and fallen short (St. Paul Rom 3:23) and St. Augustine added, Never fight evil as if it were something that arose totally outside yourself. Could it not be that, perhaps, we also carry some responsibility? The Gospel reminds us that we need to avoid taking out the speck in anothers eye, before we remove the beam in our own. On our side, have we fully done our part? For instance, have we spoken-up and acted against evil and injustice? God calls us to do it and He shows us how, when we make ourselves available. Speaking up does apply not only to our work for the poor, but also to our professional and community life. It addresses Csar Chvez statement that God did not promise us that the world would be humane and just. God could not promise it, because He left it up to us to speak-up and fight evil and injustice.
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At times, we might be the only person that has the opportunity to do it, or our group might be the only one in that situation. Do we respond positively to His invitation and prodding? Do we have the courage to speak-up, do we set aside our self-interest, do we risk our reputation? Or do we let evil get the upper hand, resulting in injustice being everywhere? Thinking about it, injustice is everywhere, simply because those who had the opportunity to stop it did not! Isnt this what we call sin of omission? God gave us the gift of freedom. Apathy is the rejection of that freedom. Indifference pretends to be tolerance by suggesting that it really does not matter. Love suggests the opposite: it does matter indeed! We cannot afford indifference! When responding to Gods call to act for justice, not only we do fulfill our responsibility, but we also help build the kingdom of God.

"I would like to make an appeal to those in possession of greater resources, to public authorities and to all people of good will, who are working for social justice: never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity! No one can remain insensitive to the inequalities that persist in the world! Everybody, according to his or her particular opportunities and responsibilities, should be able to make a personal contribution to putting an end to so many social injustices. The culture of selfishness and individualism that often prevails in our society is not, I repeat, not what builds up and leads to a more habitable world: rather, it is the culture of solidarity that does so; the culture of solidarity means seeing others not as rivals or statistics, but brothers and sisters. And we are all brothers and sisters!" Pope Francis, Address during Visit to the Community at Varginha, July 25, 2013

LEADERSHIP AND VOICE OF THE POOR

By Giulio Grecchi, VOP, Tucson Diocesan Council

Some Voice of the Poor Vincentians are staff members, most are volunteers; some hold elected positions, some have been appointed to these roles; all have a keen passion for justice and, most simply, want to be the voice of the poor, always being faithful to the Rule of the Society. Regardless of their position, all Voice of the Poor Vincentians need to take a leadership role within the Society, because No one can do adv ocacy alone! Leadership is not about managing, but about creating a climate where inspired ideas and action can become a reality. It is about shared responsibility and working with others as a team. It is about helping each other to maintain a clear focus in our mission. The Societys mission is moving people out of poverty. Direct assistance allows people to survive temporarily, but, beyond that, we want to provide the resources needed to help in their long-term improvement, whether that is education, job training, mental health, addiction recovery or anything else. For this to happen, we have to ensure, through our advocacy efforts, that these essential resources are available from public and private programs. We also want to make sure that those living in poverty, benefiting from these programs, are motivated to change their life. Having built constructive relationships with people in poverty through home visits, we are in a position to mentor them and to monitor their progress. This process is the beginning of Systemic Change. Advocacy is key for Systemic Change to happen. The resources of SVdP are limited; to address the root-causes of poverty, the larger society has to be involved and do their part! Through Advocacy, we ensure that this will happen. Voice of the Poor Vincentians have built an expertise in Advocacy. They can lead the way by training, facilitating, involving their peers in the Conferences and Councils, but everyone in the Society needs to be the Voice of the Poor. Furthermore, with Systemic Change, we plan to involve those living in poverty in advocating for themselves and bring their stories to members of Congress State legislators and city government. Voice of the Poor Vincentian, think as a leader, act as a leader and teach the public skills that you have acquired to the other members of the Society!

SNAP: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN - A CALL TO ACTION

John Barry, CEO and Executive Director, SVdP Georgia When Congress returns from its vacation in a few weeks the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to consider a bill that slashes $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. A cut that size eliminates benefits for up to four million people in the U.S. In Georgia alone, about 168,000 people are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits under the proposal. The 168,000 Georgians who stand to lose benefits under the proposal are extremely poor. They likely lack basic job skills, including reading, writing and basic mathematics. Their average gross income is far below the poverty line, about $2,500 per year. The House is also expected to include a measure that gives states an incentive to end SNAP benefits for low-income, unemployed adults and their children. This draconian measure, known as the Southerland Amendment, allows states to keep half of the savings they generate by taking SNAP benefits away from these families. States could then use that money for anything, including passing new tax cuts or corporate subsidies. This $40 billion in cuts proposed by the House will come on top of a benefit cut for all families receiving SNAP benefits already set to take place November 1. For families of three, this already enacted cut will be about $29 per month, bringing their average SNAP benefits down to about $1.40 per person per meal from about $1.50. Think for a moment about what this is doing to the children of this nation and how that impacts the future. We have a national vision to end poverty and our SVdP Georgia mission is to help people become self-sufficient and stable. These cannot be achieved, ever, if hunger continues to plague those struggling to make ends meet. Consider: Nearly half of ALL people who use SNAP benefits are CHILDREN. More than 16 MILLION kids in America live in households that struggle to put food on the table. That is one out of every five kids in America! Hunger has a huge effect on how kids perform in school. Nine out of 10 teachers say that eating a healthy breakfast is a key factor in academic achievement So a child who doesnt have enough to eat is more than likely to perform poorly in school and is more likely to get sick and is less likely to graduate. 5

And that will negatively impact that childs economic future. Which means 20 years from now that child is likely to have a hard time feeding his or her family. And so the cycle continues. This is NOT a political issue. It is not right or left, Democrat or Republican, blue or red. This is about common sense, human justice, and systemic change that terminates the cycle of poverty and dependence that we perpetuate through the unintended consequences of decisions made without concern for how they impact the most vulnerable in our society. It is time to stand up and take a stand. The misconceptions and prejudices about SNAP and the people who access it are rampant. It is incumbent on US, as the front line warriors in the fight against poverty and dependence to tell the REAL story. Yes there is abuse, there is in every program and system that exists. But that doesnt mean we throw out the whole program to address it. Yes, we need to address issues of spending by local, state, and federal governments, but in doing so we have to consider and protect the most fragile and vulnerable in our society. This is a basic tenant of not only our faith, but of many faiths. Our Voice of the Poor Committee is advocating on this issue join them. Your Congressional Representatives Senators are home on vacation call them. Your friends, neighbors, and co-workers may not have any idea of the impact of this issue tell them. It is time we make our voices heard. If not us, who? If not now, when? TAKE THE SNAP CHALLENGE! September is the Hunger Action Month, across the country. Can we challenge ourselves to live on SNAP benefits for a few days? Many Americans do not think twice about spending $4 for a latt. For many of our neighbors, $4 must buy an entire day's worth of food, as $4 is the average daily SNAP benefit per person. By taking the SNAP Challenge, we will directly experience the struggle that nearly 1 in 6 Americans including nearly 25% of all American children face every day. You will learn first-hand how difficult it is to afford nutritious foods, avoid hunger, and stay healthy without adequate resources.

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES The economy has stabilized since the financial crisis of 2008, but poverty statistics continue to deteriorate. Whether one looks at the percentage of families in poverty, or the number of children growing-up without adequate nutrition and housing, or income inequality, or distribution of wealth, the picture is depressing, a social crisis. As people who care for the poor, how do we deal with news worsening so much? Many volunteers feel overwhelmed by the increasing demand for food, clothing and other items and realize that, in spite of their best efforts, they cannot fill all the needs of those who call, many of which go unmet.
More than 146 million Americans are either "poor" or "low income. 57% of all American children live in a home that is either "poor" or "low income". In Tucson, 1 in 3 children are living in poverty.

Median household income has fallen for four consecutive years

This is a humbling experience, but also one that should make us think beyond our usual ways of assistance and think creatively. When we help people in need, we can only do two things: work at eliminating their suffering, or help them realize their potential. Perhaps, too often we limit ourselves to the first one, without realizing that the two go together. We want to eliminate the suffering not just to help people survive until tomorrow. Most importantly, we want to free them from the immediate concerns so that they can start to focus on their future. Building the future is a long process. Can we point them to the first rung of the ladder, and then help them to climb out of their situation, while, through advocacy, we ensure that the needed resources are available to them? If we feel already overwhelmed by day-to-day direct assistance, how can we take-on all these other tasks? This is where we need to broaden our views. Families in poverty often tend to be isolated, in spite of living in communities, and in neighborhoods. We know where those neighborhoods are, because we walk there when doing home visits. If we can think of a way to link the people that we know and serve in a certain neighborhood, we might have the chance to raise the quality of life for everyone involved. This is community development. These are some excerpt from an article on the website of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. It gives us some interesting ideas: The first principle of community development is that the people are not the problem, people are the asset. The second principle is that the leadership needed in every 7

neighborhood is already there. Community development is about unlocking that asset, releasing peoples potential to move forward together. What is the value of a neighbor who will give you a ride when you need one, or sit with your child while you take another one to the clinic, or lend you a truck to help you move? How do you put a price on someone who shows you how to use the public transportation system or guides you to the best school? People connected in communities have priceless assets in one another. Already the most important ingredient for success is there. Our job then is not to fix their situation. It is not to define goals for them so that they might live according to our expectations. Instead, we must listen deeply, study rigorously, document faithfully what motivates them, and build on that. We build on strengths and skills. You cannot build on broken. And we ask questions. Not the old, worn-out needs assessment questions that demoralize even the interviewera brand-new set of questions, because we believe that change begins with the first new question. What works here? Who really cares about this community? What are the sights, sounds, and smells that make this neighborhood feel like home? Whom do you go to when you want advice? Who knows the history of why this street, this building, this school matters so much? What is your most treasured hope for your child? These are powerful questions, and it is challenging to ask them over and over. Many communities have already been so well trained to think of themselves as broken that they automatically answer with what is wrong even when you are asking what is right about the place they call home. When you think that there are strengths and assets in every community, it can sound like people shouldnt need any help. But that is not how it works. Everyone wants to live in a neighborhood where they can be connected, where there is a good school, where there is a financial institution that they can trust a clinic, and a grocery market. Poor people are not different, and any approach premised on an idea that they are somehow distinct as a groupa group lacking in some respectis doomed to failure. Under that model, you may provide a service, but you will never achieve a transformation. We dont ignore the problems. We fulfill our mission to bring resources, education, and connection by working side by side with people in neighborhoods. Simply put, we go where we are invited and we do what we are asked to do. Is this not what we want to do through Systemic Change? 8

JUST WAGES
By Giulio Grecchi, VOP, Tucson Diocesan Council

With the minimum wage at $7.25 an hour and many employers setting their compensation at that level or a little above, it is quite common for adults, responsible for earning their family's income, to be in poverty and needing SNAP assistance. Plenty of companies show spectacular profits and pay handsome compensation to their executives, but forget to value their workers. Could they afford to raise their minimum pay to $15/Hr and still be profitable, without requiring price hikes? A compensation of $15/Hr is not only far more realistic, but also historically consistent. Dan Torrington, the Tucson Council President, says, When I was a young man in 1960 I had a menial job that paid $1.75/Hr. Today, that same rate, if adjusted for the actual inflation, would be $13.38. Trader Joe, Quick Trip and Costco (among others) do it and remain competitive. At Costco, an average worker made about $45,000 in 2011, according to Fortune Magazine. These companies have all found that the act of valuing workers can pay off in the form of increased sales and productivity. The social teachings of the Church about economics define a just wage as enough money for a family to have a frugal but honorable living with one wage earner in the family. The Just Wage position paper on the Societys website also helps us to understand the issue. For low-wage employees not earning enough to support their families, obtaining SNAP benefits becomes the only alternative. SNAP, encourages work and rewards it. The Charts below show how many SNAP recipients are in the workforce:

This is not a new issue. The Federal Government enacted the minimum wage provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. Some states also have minimum wage laws. It is Congress responsibility to adjust the minimum wage over time, to keep-up with inflation. Powerful interests have delayed full inflation adjustments to take place, resulting in the current federal minimum wage of covered nonexempt employees remaining at $7.25 an hour, an unrealistically low level. Analyzing this situation and its consequences, we realize that the employers, paying such a low wage, are in effect exacting a subsidy from both their employees and the Federal Government, who has to make-up for the familys missing earning. Blessed Frederic Ozanam called this exploitation, a new form of slavery. Exploitation occurs when the master considers his workers not as a partner, nor even as an assistant, but as an instrument out of which he must extract as much service as possible at the smallest possible price. Yet the exploitation of a man by another man is slavery. The worker-machine is nothing more than part of capital like the slaves of the ancients. Service becomes servitude. Lets conclude with a quote from a Jewish friend: One thing I appreciate from my background is the lesson from the Passover table that if anyone is enslaved, no one is free. So many people are enslaved in so many countries, including our own. Theres a lot of work to do. AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Starting on October 1, the US will take a huge step towards universal health care, with 22 million uninsured Americans being able to get affordable health insurance. The new Healthcare law is complex. It is important that we all understand the basics, or the misinformation campaigns now launched can easily mislead us. This video by the Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation provides clear and simple explanations. This is a must see for everyone: Health Reform Explained Video: "Health Reform Hits Main Street": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Ilc5xK2_E

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IMMIGRATION REFORM THE TIME IS NOW

During our recent Congressional Visits, we heard that for Immigration Reform the next two/three months will be crucial. After the Christmas break, attention will quickly shift to the November 2014 elections. The time is now! We should not miss this opportunity! Sen. John McCain (R) and Rep Raul Grijalva (D) reiterated this message loud and clear at a clergy meeting on Comprehensive Immigration Reform on August 28, in Casa Grande, AZ, organized by the Arizona Interfaith Network. Impressive was the unity of intent of those who participated. The Bishops that were present crossed denominational boundaries, by sitting and consulting together. Sen. McCain and Rep. Grijalva crossed the partisan boundaries to stand together for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. They all took some risk, because, surely, some will criticize their openness. They gave us a great example on how to work with others for the Common Good!

Tucsons Bishop Gerald Kicanas with Sen. McCain and Rep. Grijalva (photo by Linda Victoria for PCIC)

This is a report on the Interfaith Immigration Meeting by Julie Douglas, VOP Co-Chair, Phoenix. Members of the Tucson and Phoenix Voice of the Poor Committee attended a forum on Immigration Reform on August 28 at the United Methodist Church in Casa Grande. Speakers included Sen. John McCain and Rep. Raul Grijalva and was attended by Catholic Bishops Olmsted, Nevares and Kicanas, Episcopal Bishop Smith and Lutheran Bishop Talmage.
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The meeting began with a beautiful prayer by Bishop Olmsted and introductions of priests from all over the state, as well as pastors from every major religious denomination. Over 150 attended this event, hosted by Arizona Interfaith Network. Sen. McCain spoke passionately about the need for Immigration Reform and said that the time has never been more ideal for positive change. He encouraged all present to call, e-mail or visit their representatives. He said that, while many cry that reform is amnesty for the 11 million people living in the shadows, doing nothing is instead a de facto amnesty. He presented compelling figures provided by the Congressional Budget Office on the positive effect that reform will have on our economy, including: a 5.5 billion increase in Arizona revenues, a reduction of the federal deficits by about $200 billion over the next 10 years a 3.3% increase in GDP in the next 10 years, and an infusion of 300 billion into the Social Security trust.

Sen. McCain stated that the Senate version of the Immigration Reform bill would greatly increase border security, including 21,000 new border agents and additional technology. Sen. McCain also pointed out that, in polling done in Arizona, 70% of the people strongly support the Senate version of Immigration Reform, which includes a path to citizenship. He emphasized that the proposed path is very onerous, requiring paying fees, past taxes and going to the back of the line, a process that would take 10 years, a good standard. Both Sen. McCain and Rep Grijalva invited us to leverage the 70% in favor of immigration reform, rather than allowing the 30% who oppose the reform to control the debate. Rep Grijalva and Sen. McCain suggested that all churches in the state set a Sunday date dedicated to presenting immigration reform from the pulpit. They also stressed that partnerships with leaders
in business and education would help us further the cause.

The forum ended with a Q & A session moderated by Auxiliary Bishop Nevares and breakout sessions on Next Steps, including educating our parishes and congregations. Bishop Kirk Smith, head of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, the closed the meeting with a beautiful prayer.
What can you do? If you did not have the chance to write or to visit your Representatives, please do that now! Justice for Immigrants website (USCCB) makes available an electronic postcard that you or anyone can send, by copying the following link to your web-browser: http://capwiz.com/azcatholic/issues/alert/?alertid=62832936&queueid=[capwiz:qu eue_id] 12

Beyond advocacy, people of faith are engaging in various prayerful initiatives during this pivotal period, such as: pilgrimages to draw the attention to Immigration Reform (In California and elsewhere, thousands of Catholics will undertake pilgrimages in the coming months); 40 days of prayer, fasting! (Starting on Sep 9, when Congress reconvenes, or when possible this is an initiative by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition in solidarity with those impacted directly by our unjust immigration policies).

Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles told the congregation during the annual Mass for Immigrants: There is a time for politics and a time for prayer. Prayer should always come first, before our political action, because we always want to make sure we are trying to do Gods will and not our own will.

By Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcano, Catholic Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Episcopal Bishop Kirk Smith and Lutheran Bishop Stephen Talmage Introduction by Rev. Mark Adams, Presbyterian, Frontera de Cristo. Morehouse Publishing www.churchpublishing.org/bishopsontheborder
A group of bishops (Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, and United Methodist), all based along the US-Mexico border, found common ground to jointly address some key immigration issues, especially those being played out in the state of Arizona. The bishops worked together on behalf of local immigrant populations to address theological and pastoral concerns and prayed for those whose lives were being directly affected. This book grows out of their shared work and the relationships that developed among them.

Giulio Grecchi Tucson Diocesan Council Western Region Voice of the Poor Representative ggrecchi@aol.com
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