Organizers and leaders alike identify a broad range of issues with which they have struggled on a daily basis. Most issues are associated with the fragile, sometimes desperate financial situation of families in poverty. Organizers and leaders have also struggled with issues related to the oppressive toll poverty sometimes takes on people s spirit and dignity. And then there are the systems in our society and in government, like our nation s criminal justice system, housing system, and welfare system, that disrespect and disempower poor people. Among the challenges identified by organizers, transience is a critical one.
Poor families move and have phone service disconnected frequently.
As a result organizations have had to be very deliberate about following up with potential members, updating their mailing lists, and visiting them as often as possible. And often, despite this work, even seasoned leaders may disappear for periods of time until they are able to stabilize their lives. People living in poverty are also often isolated, and they are blamed by politicians and bureaucrats for their situation. This stigma is often internalized. It is no surprise then that many organizers have been forced to address issues of self esteem and depression.