COMMUNITY DECLARATION
I. Our Call to Action
As Citizens of Duluth, we call for an end to poverty in our community. Over the last five years, Americans have come together to protect our homes, lend strenght and support in times of tragedy, and to build a national politicial dialogue. We have discussed our collective responsiblity for human dignity, equity and well-being. It is time to bring this focus and energy to ending the tragedy of poverty in Duluth.
Duluth has an incredible potential for high quality of life, for creating meaningful work, and for building common bonds. However, this potential cannot be realized while there are still people who live in poverty. With the elimination of poverty, everyone will be better off and we will have a healthier, stronger and safer community.
II. Who is being called?
This Declaration is addressed to the people of Duluth; to their politicians and pastors, to their commercial enterprises and community activists; to their prosperous and poor, and to their schools and social services agencies. We all have a stake in the well-being of our fellow Duluthians and share the responsibility for eradicating the threat to human dignity, security and quality of life that poverty represents.
III. The importance of ending poverty
Poverty is contrary to a core belief of our country and our community; the belief that people are entitled to basic human dignity. Poverty denies people this basic right by putting the elements of dignity out of reach. Poverty is a barrier to food, education, housing, transportation, healthcare and employment; it makes the cost, quality and availability of these basic needs unobtainable.
A variety of points of view exist that unite us in our commitment to end poverty. Poverty conflicts with deeply held religious beliefs of charity and justice. Poverty conflicts with the long-term economic well-being of our community. Poverty conflicts with the ability of people to cease the opportunities that this country affords.
In a community without poverty, adults will have meaningful and gainful work. Families will have access to quality healthcare. Parents will be assured their children are learning the skills and values that will lead to a bright future. Communities will be stable and safe. Homelessness will be eliminated and homes will provide warmth and shelter rather than financial hardship and environmental hazards. Everyone will feel connected to our responsibility for the common good.
IV. This is the time to end poverty
The U.S. Census Bureau (2003) estimates that approximately 12,627 people live under the federal poverty income guidelines in the City of Duluth. In addition, another 14,725 people do not make a “livable wage.” This means that over 27,352 community members, the majority of whom are working, are struggling to make ends meet in the City of Duluth. This is nearly one-third (31.4%) of our entire city population.
V. We have the resources to end poverty
Our community is fortunate to have a number of resources available in our fight to end poverty. We have a high-quality local system of education. We have healthy and active faith communities and a non-profit sector. We have a business community with a tradition of philanthropy, service and commitment to improve the quality of life in our region. We have public programs designed to serve people in poverty. We have natural resources and community assets available to everyone. And we have a strong local culture that emphasizes hard work and lifelong learning.
VI. Our Declaration
By signing this document we declare our commitment to work in the next year and the years to come to build economic prosperity and hope for every citizen of Duluth.
Signed by the
COMMUNITY ACTION DULUTH BOARD OF DIRECTORS
June 7, 2006
Mark Nelson- Board Chair
Marsha Hystead- Vice Chair
Dennis Fink- Secretary/Treasurer
Sharon Connlley
Joanne Dahl Jokela
Shannon Wagner
Ron Carlson
Lanikka Pendelton
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Laura Condon
Joe Ferguson
Toni Thorstad
Patsy Jackson
Keir Johnson
Russ Stover
Patty Behning
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1 Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2003. http;//22.census.gov/prod/2004pubs/p60-226.pdf
