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Other articles in Part 5 Current poverty trends likely to continue Tina Eoff's Second Chance Renters' Program New programs take aim at poverty What you can do to help

Program explores policy options story by Andy Duncan Ever wondered why someone hasn't gotten down to the nitty-gritty-written a simple description of options for dealing with poverty? Someone has. "From Welfare to Work: Who Should We Help and How?" was produced recently for the National Issues Forum, a network of educational and community groups. The Kettering Foundation, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, sponsors the network. The goal of the National Issues Forum is help people with diverse views find common ground for action on important national problems. The forums do this with non-partisan discussions, sort of in the spirit of town hall meetings. Led by a moderator, assisted by a specially prepared publication, participants weigh several ways to address an issue. The "From Welfare to Work" publication presents three options for dealing with poverty: 1. Everyone Should Work: Every American has a responsibility to contribute to society. We must require everyone to work because that's the only effective way to fight poverty. Even those with limited skills or disabilities can do something. 2. Help Those Who Can't Work: Some people simply cannot work while caring for themselves or their family. They must have help so they can live in dignity and have their basic needs met. We must help those truly unable to provide for themselves. 3. Prepare Productive Citizens: Welfare became a problem in the first place because we were treating symptoms rather than underlying problems. We must address the causes of poverty within each family. In the long run, prevention is the answer. The publication offers thoughts on what can be done to execute each option, points in support of and in opposition to each option, and likely trade-offs for society. The National Issues Forum also produced a poverty-related publication in 1993 that contains additional and still-relevant information. "The Poverty Puzzle" offers society four options: 1. Welfare Trap: Perverse Incentives and Failed Policies. The cause of America's escalating poverty problem is not a lack of government spending on welfare programs. The very efforts made in the name of helping the poor have created a culture of dependency. 2. The Rights of the Poor: Mending the Safety Net. The poverty debate must begin by recognizing the right of the poor to public assistance. In the name of compassion and community, the poor are entitled to a decent minimum so they can care for themselves and their children. 3. Behavior Modification: A New Compact with the Poor. Our system for helping the poor should be based on "tough love," not unconditional assistance. Benefits should be offered only to those who honor the social contract by behaving in socially acceptable ways. 4. Jobs Strategy: Moving Beyond Welfare. The welfare problem begins with the labor market, not the behavior and values of the poor. The jobs and wages available to millions of Americans are not adequate to keep them above the poverty line. You can order the "From Welfare To Work" publication by calling 1-800-600-4060. The cost is $3.60 per copy, plus shipping and handling. A video is available for $6.50, and the publication and video cost $9.00. Ask for "From Welfare to Work." You can order "The Poverty Puzzle" by calling 1-800-228-0810. Ask for ISBN 0-8403-8651-6. You can learn more about the National Issues Forum at the network's home page: www.NIFI.org. Forums are initiated on the local level by civic and educational organizations. For information about starting a forum, write the National Issues Forum, 100 Commons Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459-2777, or telephone 1-800-433-7834.   Article 3 of 5 in Part 5   back to top

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