On Saturday 21, June, from 2pm until 4:30pm, at the
Woodside Hall in Glasgow, the Poverty Truth Commission will be Turning up the
Volume on Poverty. It will be a fantastic opportunity to listen to, and understand,
an inclusive model for addressing poverty, which places those from marginalised
communities at its heart.
An event in June, the run-up to the referendum in
September, poses a great chance for everyone across Scotland to ask themselves what
kind of society they would like to see and realise, regardless of the
constitutional framework.
The referendum debate so far has seen many politicians
and representatives from both sides trade blows on a few specific issues,
claiming to have the best interests of the population at heart. What these important individuals appear to have
done little of, however, is take the time to sit back and listen to the people
they are claiming to speak for.
The Poverty Truth Commission’s model of working, on the
other hand, places this listening process at its centre, recognising it as the
foundation for the creation of a sustainable anti-poverty strategy.
The Commission draws together people from many different
walks of life across Scottish society who might not normally have the chance to
meet and discuss issues important to them. It aims to build bridges and make
connections to ensure those with experience of poverty have their voices heard
and are listened to properly. Those invited to work with the PTC, known as
commissioners, are drawn both from these communities and from those deemed to
be key decision makers in Scotland.
The focus of the Commission is then shaped by the
conversations which take place within this special group of people. However,
this is not merely a talking shop. Instead, it generates a clear path forward, combining
the power and insights of the stories of those with experience, with the
connections and reach of those well placed in society.
The Commission’s journey over the last two years has seen
it tackle a range of different issues which affect those on low incomes,
including the welfare reforms, sanctions, the costs of being poor, stigma, food
poverty and in-work poverty. This work has seen our commissioners hold serious
and frank dialogues and discussions with politicians at local and national level, speak at
conferences, participate in local authority decision making processes, engage with
the media, and develop partnerships with other third sector organisations.
The strength at the core of the Commission is the close
relationship which develops between commissioners. When these individuals come
together, the formalities and titles often evident at meetings are left at the
door, as the conversations place everyone on an equal footing and level of
importance. It is this recognition of the inherent expertise of all which is
the bedrock of the Commission’s approach.
In June, we will have assembled a new round of
commissioners who will generate a fresh range of issues which they believe to
be most pertinent. We very much hope that the work of the Commission is of
interest to you. If you think it is, then why not come along in June as we
report back on our work and look forward with anticipation to the future.
To register at this free event click here; call 0141 248 2911; or email info@povertytruthcommission.org #TurnItUp2014
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