Rising Against Poverty
Challenge Poverty Week 2 - 8 October 2023
Introduction
The enduring spectre of poverty continues to haunt the lives of many in Scotland, with an estimated 250,000 children caught in its unyielding grasp. The seemingly insurmountable barriers of poverty and inequality loom large, casting a long, dark shadow over Scotland. As if the situation was not dire enough, the recent Covid-19 pandemic coupled with an ongoing cost of living crisis have only served to exacerbate the situation, thrusting even more people into the clutches of poverty. Our social security system’s inadequacies and the structural issues plaguing our labour market have been thrown into sharp relief by these twin crises. The climate emergency, with its disproportionate impact on those living on low incomes, threatens to further perpetuate the cycle of poverty. It is now, more than ever, that we must stand united in our fight against poverty.
Understanding Challenge Poverty Week
First launched by the Poverty Alliance in 2013, Challenge Poverty Week serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive problem of poverty in Scotland. It was born out of a desire to spotlight the unfairness of poverty, and to demonstrate how collective action, rooted in justice and compassion, can pave the path to solutions. This week-long event is a clarion call to raise your voice against poverty and rally together towards the goal of a just and equal Scotland. Every year, hundreds of organisations across Scotland, ranging from elected representatives, to charities, NGOs, local authorities, faith groups, businesses, schools, colleges, trade unions, professional bodies and more, heed this call. This year, Challenge Poverty Week is scheduled to take place from the 2 – 8 of October.
Challenge Poverty Week offers an ideal platform for you to join the chorus of voices protesting against poverty, and align with countless organisations across Scotland in the pursuit of a more equitable society. Add your voice by sharing our content here and on social media.
Key Policy Asks
Each year, Challenge Poverty Week underscores key policy asks aimed at liberating people from the clutches of poverty. These policy recommendations are crafted to transform our shared ideals of justice and compassion into tangible action, and to underscore to our political representatives the necessary steps to eradicate poverty in Scotland. GALE supports this campaign and will be blogging on these five key policy asks throughout the week:
- Monday: Envisioning a Scotland that values its communities and volunteers.
- Tuesday: Striving for a Scotland where safe, secure, and sustainable homes are a reality for all.
- Wednesday: Advocating for a Scotland where everyone has enough to live a decent and dignified life.
- Thursday: Imagining a Scotland where everyone can get where they need to go.
- Friday: Aspiring for a Scotland where no one goes hungry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Challenge Poverty Week is a rallying cry for all of Scotland to unite in the fight against poverty. By raising our collective voices and advocating for key policy changes, we can create a future where poverty is a thing of the past, and where every individual has the opportunity to lead a life of dignity and prosperity.
Challenge Poverty Week Events
Click the links to learn more and sign up!
Tuesday 3rd October, 1pm-2.15pm – In-work poverty in Scotland: learning from worker and employer experiences This event will share initial learning from the Serving the Future Project on the realities of working in hospitality in Scotland.
Wednesday 4th October, 11am – 12pm: Enough: it’s time to end poverty During this webinar we’ll hear from a panel of experts, as they explore how we can build a Scotland where we all have enough to live a decent and dignified life.
Thursday 5th October, 9.30am – 1.30pm: EVOC Conference: Community Wealth Building – Delivering For Communities The 2023 EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council) Conference is dedicated to providing information to explain the Community Wealth Building approach, answer your questions and promote the connections needed to support people and communities to thrive, tackle poverty, climate and longer-term transformation in Edinburgh.
Monday 2nd – Friday 6th October: Get your school involved with the Cost of the School Day Big Question The Cost of the School Day Big Question is a chance for all children and young people to tell politicians and policymakers all about school costs, barriers they and their peers are facing and what’s needed to make sure that everyone can take part and feel happy at school.