During my time in the Philippines I was given the opportunity to meet a dedicated, highly diverse group of individuals who have since been sent all over the world to help those in need by working with nonprofits. This training has helped prepare me for my work with the Palmyra Circles and larger social issues relating to poverty which have escalated in recent years as globalization has increased.
Throughout the training we volunteers were asked difficult questions about how we could work WITH the poor rather than for them. How can we as individuals participate in activities to uplift the poor without enabling them or participating only for self-worth?
Some of the issues we explored might never have answers, but the training instilled in me a sense of purpose which I have never felt in my life. We visited the slums of Manila and met with destitute families living day to day and also explored the vast wealth in a province within walking distance of the slums. While the experience in the slums was very different from poverty here in the states it is clear to me that we have our own problems with poverty as well, and that poverty is relative to the society it occurs in. Currently the face of poverty in Palmyra matches closely with the national average, which is now over 15% of the population and growing. I have been chosen to work with Circles as Circles matches the goals of Global Justice program, striving to address the causes of poverty not only the symptoms of it.
If you would like to hear more about the Global Justice program, or would like to make a donation to support it contact August Fisher at jamesaugustfisher@gmail.com or send donations to Global Justice Volunteer Program, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 320, New York, NY 10115
Throughout the training we volunteers were asked difficult questions about how we could work WITH the poor rather than for them. How can we as individuals participate in activities to uplift the poor without enabling them or participating only for self-worth?
Some of the issues we explored might never have answers, but the training instilled in me a sense of purpose which I have never felt in my life. We visited the slums of Manila and met with destitute families living day to day and also explored the vast wealth in a province within walking distance of the slums. While the experience in the slums was very different from poverty here in the states it is clear to me that we have our own problems with poverty as well, and that poverty is relative to the society it occurs in. Currently the face of poverty in Palmyra matches closely with the national average, which is now over 15% of the population and growing. I have been chosen to work with Circles as Circles matches the goals of Global Justice program, striving to address the causes of poverty not only the symptoms of it.
If you would like to hear more about the Global Justice program, or would like to make a donation to support it contact August Fisher at jamesaugustfisher@gmail.com or send donations to Global Justice Volunteer Program, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 320, New York, NY 10115
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