The persistence of poverty has engendered many responses, among them the creation of significant organizations dedicated to attacking one or another aspect of it. Without their leadership, the problems we address here would be compounded and hope, for many, would be further diminished. Still more, however, must be done, and the state itself must take more notice of and responsibility for the effects of poverty on all of its citizens. It is insufficient to advocate economic development and job creation without connecting them to comprehensive community development and adequate and effective social services as related means to alleviate poverty. Policy then remains important in any efforts to rid ourselves of poverty and members of the Futures Institute identified many pressure points for change.
Education is of primary importance.
Central to improving education is the provision of competent and caring teachers for all students. Yet, while reforming education is crucial, our greatest priority may be to focus on a child's earliest years and to do it as comprehensively as possible. Others believed that concentration on education and social services would not overcome the effects of policies that seem to guarantee inequality. Until the tax system is reformed and poor persons are provided with tangible reasons to earn and save, structural inequalities will continue to be obstacles to positive change. We believe that real and lasting change depends upon bringing citizens together to create and nurture these communities.