TRANSFORMATIVE SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY ACTION
Personal Transformation
Those of us committed to really eliminating poverty must begin a journey of personal transformation that embraces solidarity with the marginalized; most immediately with those marginalized by poverty. This “solidarity” with the working (“earning”) classes entails embracing two realities; 1) it is possible to live rich, rewarding lives and not be wealthy, and 2) the world view and values of the working class have inherent and legitimate dignity and worth. In fact it may be the poor who are uniquely situated to guide us through a world of diminishing resources.
Community Transformation
This is what we do to craft an exemplar community within the larger community. The community becomes attractive to others because it responds to their need for money, meaning, and friends. We are attractive because we live and practice our core beliefs and values.
System Transformation
These are the initiatives to enable systemic change in the conditions that sustain material and spiritual poverty in our community.
Terry Pickett 