Words by Smiley Team
The poverty statistics in America are something we can't ignore.
In fact, according to the most recent Census Bureau poverty statistics, 13.5 percent of Americans lived below the federal poverty level last year.
The poverty rate is a useful indicator of how well we, as a country, provide opportunities for those who earn the least. But it's just as vital to understand why the poverty rate hasn't changed, how it impacts the poor, and what policies can help.
The Raising of America docuseries was created to do just that – to bring awareness to poverty in the US and crucially, to find ways to change these statistics.
The public engagement campaign aims to revolutionize how Americans think about early childhood development and health. The award-winning five-part docuseries and accompanying tools show how a good start for all of children may lead to improved individual outcomes as well as a healthier, safer, more prosperous, and equal America.
[Read more here: Inspiring group of students tackles period poverty]
What is the docu-series about? Well for starters, it asks questions we'd all like to know the answers to when it comes to how poverty is handled in America.
To what extent do the poorest children in the richest country suffer? What will happen to the country's future if this happens? What can we do to improve?
Family and community members often find themselves short on time, money, or both. Racial stigma, poor quality and overpriced childcare, job insecurity and low income, and, of course, the trauma of terrible childhood experiences and racial isolation can all go "under the skin" of young children and affect brain architecture.
The five-part series breaks down the structures of America discusses how poverty began and challenges everyone to do their part in helping change this pandemic.
Hundreds of groups are using the series in community dialogues, policy forums, training, and other events to generate new debates about what we, as a society, can – and should – do to make a solid start the birthright of every newborn in the United States.
It challenges its viewers to take action by doing the following:
You too can get involved in this conversation and start the change in your community by visiting The Raising of America.
