Breaking Poverty Barriers to Equal Justice YOUR LOGO HERE

Problems

Goals: See people in poverty worthy of help Increase skills and knowledge to help people in poverty Able to contribute to improving the community based on an increased understanding of poverty

Agenda: Criminalization of Poverty Types of Poverty Common Resource Barriers Problem Solving

 I have lived in poverty  I know one or more people in poverty  I studied about poverty in college or high school  I have volunteered to help people in poverty  I learn about it from the news or media.  I see people in poverty begging in the streets or on the side of the roads  Other

Large group discussion: To be considered “in poverty” by the federal government, how much would a family of four make? Some realities of those living in poverty

Federal Poverty Guideline, Family of 4 $24,000 $16.43/day per family member $1.43

The Criminalization of Poverty What are 3 stats/numbers that stood out to you?

Faulty Attribution Theory

4 Different types of poverty Generational poverty Working-class poverty Immigrant poverty Situational poverty

Which of the following statements are true: 1.Roughly 45% of people living in poverty in the U.S. are white. 2.Government assistance is adequate to get out of poverty. 3.People in poverty who work hard can get out of poverty. 4.A good education is necessary to get out of poverty, and is readily accessible and available to all.

Brainstorm What resource barriers might people in poverty have when trying to participate in the court system? They don’t know they have a legal issue

Breakout Groups Generate ideas to increase the number of clients who come to an appointment with you.

Break!

Five Main Causes of Communication Breakdown 1.Lack of understanding about poverty (and what’s required to survive) 2.Subconscious bias/judgment 3.Distrust of outsiders/fear of professionals 4.Differences in basic communication styles 5.Differences in vocabulary and examples

$Student Loans $Savings $Vacation Achievement Material Security Work Middle Class Motivators

Achievement Material Security Work Middle Class Motivators Survival Relationship Relief (from stress) Poverty Motivators

Five Main Causes of Communication Breakdown 1.Lack of understanding about poverty (and what’s required to survive) 2.Subconscious bias/judgment 3.Distrust of outsiders/fear of professionals 4.Differences in basic communication styles 5.Differences in vocabulary and examples

THINK ABOUT: Who are you willing to go out of your way for ? SHARE: What is that based on?

1.What is IDENTIFICATION? 2.Example of Level 1 disclosure 3.Example of Level 2 disclosure

Five Main Causes of Communication Breakdown 1.Lack of understanding about poverty (and what’s required to survive) 2.Subconscious bias/judgment 3.Distrust of outsiders/fear of professionals 4.Differences in basic communication styles 5.Differences in vocabulary and examples

ORAL COMMUNICATORSPRINT COMMUNICATORS

Tie it all together! Strategies to ensure you are: - Understanding - Being Understood

Going Beyond: Five Strategies

TAKE a Strengths Perspective Take a strengths perspective approach when interacting with your clients Strategies: -Whenever possible, compliment people on what they have done “right”. -Empathize with the obstacles they face daily and stand in awe that they are able to keep going.

APPLY Resiliency Theory Resiliency Theory says when you treat people as special and value them, you build trust and the capacity for people to grow. Strategies: -Notice people immediately and make them feel valued. -Be highly aware of your non-verbals when you talk or meet with your client. Your tone of voice, facial expressions, and body posture will set the tone for your interactions.

LEVERAGE Asset Theory Asset Theory: Everyone has strengths. People in survival mode know a lot. Focus on what they do know and how their skills can be beneficial to their success in the legal system. Strategies: -Listen to narratives of your client’s description of the situation. Focus on the internal/external capacities embedded in your client’s stories. -Also listen to asset gaps clients are experiencing so you can increase their supports and offer solutions that resonate with them.

AVOID Faulty Attribution Theory Faulty Attribution Theory: Attributing motive to others’ behavior Strategies: -Work to develop a foundational understanding so you will have empathy for the reasons behind your client’s behavior -When you feel yourself judging, reflect on the situation and ask yourself if you are expecting your client to do/respond as you would.

HELP Build Social Capital Social Capital and networks of support counteract the isolation of poverty. Strategies: -Navigate people to resources and opportunities that will help them to access supports for breaking poverty barriers. -Use your title to help people obtain the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to succeed in the legal system.

do I do see people in poverty worthy of help. will be I will be more successful helping people in poverty. can contribute I can contribute to improving my community because I understand poverty better. UnsureSomewhatYes!