Women Lead provided a second outstanding session on March 1st. The event, hosted by JP Morgan and facilitated by Bonnie Tiernan with Crisis Assistance Ministry, focused on understanding the challenges of poverty. Attendees participated in an online poverty simulation, engaged in small group discussions about the experience, and heard from two community ambassadors who work with Crisis Assistance. The Ambassadors, Mr. James Lee, and Ms. Deborah Brewer shared lived experiences and personal observations that provided heartfelt context for the online exercise. As one speaker noted, participants could close the laptop and be done with the exercise. People living in poverty don’t have the luxury of turning it off.
Members worked in small teams during the poverty simulation, trying to make ends meet for one month. Hurdles ranged from having a 50-mile commute because rent near work was prohibitively expensive, foregoing medical treatment due to lack of insurance and funds to pay for treatment, and having a hungry young child because she was harassed for being a “free lunch kid” and so skipped lunch regularly. The stress and tension of living in poverty cause physical and mental challenges. When debriefing, members noted how powerless they felt, trapped by impossible financial decisions, and how great the impact was on children.
The ambassadors talked about their own journeys through poverty and the consequences to their health, family relationships, and emotional well-being. They noted that Charlotte is only as strong as its weakest link. When asked what action they suggest to those not struggling with poverty, they suggested “work your muscle of compassion,” “find a family and focus on supporting them – and don’t be nosy,” and “be open and believe that you can make a difference.” Be compassionate, be open, don’t judge, and do help. And use your network to help those in need. Look around; there is likely someone in your circle that needs help.
The final Women LEAD session is on March 29 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. It will be a mix of networking, socializing, and a panel discussion of WIF member advocates about ways to work your social capital. Register here.
