Theological Education: New York City and State Immersion 2009

Poverty in New York City and State: An Immersion Experience
Thirty-five students, faculty, and religious and community leaders explored the reality of poverty in New York City and State. January 4-14, 2009. Follow our Journey.

This course explored the global scope of poverty by examining rural and urban poverty in New York City and State.  We learned from community and religious leaders who are involved in a growing movement to end poverty.  Topics covered throughout the course included housing and homelessness, living wage jobs, health care, immigration, gentrification, de-industrialization and the prison industrial complex.  The experience included reality tours, Bible studies, video-showings, and dialogue with leaders of local and statewide poor people's organizations and religious congregations engaged in mission work and community organizing.  Significant time was spent learning about theories of poverty and race, the history of poor people organizing, and the legacy of the Poor People's Campaign launched by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968.  We discussed the theological implications of building a movement led by poor people to end poverty and explored the unique role of religious leaders and communities in this effort.