On Wednesday, October 17, 2012 we will be marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty with two events in Halifax.
12 noon – Noon-hour Rally at Victoria Park marking Oct 17th as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, with speakers representing several anti-poverty groups, and special guest, spoken word artist El Jones.
1 pm – Gathering at St Matthews United Church Hall, 1479 Barrington Street. There will be snacks available and we will hear from a panel of persons who live in poverty about their experiences and thoughts on solutions. The Raging Grannies will be there to inspire us in song and there will be an open mic, where anyone attending can have their say.
We invite everyone to come out and hear those who live in poverty, as well as sharing your own poverty-related stories and thoughts.
The theme this year is ‘Security’. Housing security, food security and income security will all be discussed.
These events are being organized by a coalition of groups engaged in the fight to end poverty in our community, including the Community Advocates Network, the Faces of Poverty Consultation, the NSGEU, the Community Society to End Poverty in Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers, the North End Community Health Centre, the Nova Scotia Association for Community Living, Make Poverty History and others.
Oct 17th was first marked as the World Day to End Extreme Poverty in 1987, and since 1992 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. One of the key purposes of this day is giving voice to those living in poverty, who so rarely get access to a podium. We believe that it is essential for those living in poverty to be heard, as an important part of ending poverty in our community and beyond. The motto of groups who advocate for disabled persons should be our motto as well: ‘Nothing about us without us.’
We look forward to seeing you on October 17th!
“Poverty is not a human rights issue, it is a human rights violation” — Vince Calderhead, Halifax Human Rights Lawyer.
“Poverty is the worst form of violence” — Mahatma Gandhi.
“Poverty is like punishment for a crime you didn’t commit” — Eli Khamarov
Also, be sure to check out the photo exhibit at Megan Leslie’s Community Office Gallery Space, 2207 Gottingen Street, which opens during Nocturne, Saturday, October 13th and will be shown for the balance of October. ‘Images of Poverty’ is co-sponsored by Megan Leslie, MP and the Oct 17th Organizing Committee.
The site for the Halifax local of The Media Co-op has been archived and will no longer be updated. Please visit the main Media Co-op website to learn more about the organization.
