Peace and  Poverty

Is the end of world poverty the path to a peaceful planet?

Poverty is a global and domestic problem. This is seen not only in poor nations, but also witnessed in neighborhood crime and violence.

The World Bank states that 80% of the world’s poorest 20 countries have suffered a major civil war. In our own country, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates 37 million people live in poverty with 17.6% being children, making it the highest of any age category.

Success has been achieved in changing the condition of poverty by some innovative thinking.  Nobel Peace prize winner, Gramen Bank, came up with the concept of giving small loans to lower income citizens to start and run businesses. They also have the Gramen Phone, which uses cell phones for economic development by giving a loan to one person for a cell phone, who in turn rents to others in the village thus giving them communication and a lucrative business.

In Camden, New Jersey, recognized as the poorest and most dangerous city in America, Urban Promise provides at risk children a safe environment to learn and interact on their school campus.  Ninety percent of Urban Promise’s kids go to College and break the cycle of poverty and violence.

What can we do in our community? Consider volunteering at local food shelters and assistance programs. Big Brothers and Sisters of America offer opportunities to become involved on a one to one basis.

We will not know peace on earth until we know it in ourselves.  For more peaceful solutions visit www.peacefulblueplanet.org

To hear PSA on this topic, click here:  PSA on Poverty