Strategic Dialogue #2: Report

Continuing what we began in September, Poverty Scholars learned more about each other’s work – our successes, strengths, and challenges. We encouraged each other in deep intellectual inquiry and enjoyed, played, laughed, remembered, sang, and planned to reignite the Poor People’s Campaign.

Collegues from Marks, Mississippi community were directly engaged in the history of the Mule Train and the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign. They shared their experiences and artwork that memorialize this legacy. Members of the Tutwiler, Mississippi Quilters also contributed to the quilt exhibit Building A Movement - A Stitch At A Time that was honored at this gathering. Saturday evening featured a reception – a chance to experience the centrality of art and culture in every community and a vital component in building this movement.

This dialogue asked “What a Poverty Scholar Needs to Be Today?” and provided opportunties for in-depth study of the roots and causes of the current economic crisis. Sessions addressed the racism's role in inhibiting the building of a social movement to end poverty. Participants led workshops onvideo-making and blogging skills and street theater and theater games. All with the focus on strengthening organizations and political education. Participants facilitated conversations on telling stories to build a movement, building new leaders, the role of religion, new labor organizing, and challenges and opportunities of the recent elections.

We prepared for the Summer 2009 Poverty Scholars Program Leadership School. We're expecting over 150 Poverty Scholars Program participants!