January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the official poverty rate in 2022 was 11.5 percent with 37.9 million people living in poverty.
This month-long initiative is used to raise awareness of poverty and to take a look at the disparities in society and what we can do to help change the situation. It is also a time to learn about and understand the circumstances that can cause people to live in poverty, getting away from the preconceived notions that may or may not have anything to do with it.
National Poverty in America Awareness Month calls on people to show empathy and donate to those in need. It also is a time to look at measures and public policies that can help eliminate poverty in the country.
References:
Shaw, Toby. “National Poverty in America Awareness Month in USA in 2024.” There is a Day for That!, December 25, 2022. https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/usa/national-poverty-in-america-awareness-month.
Shrider, Emily A., and John Creamer. “Poverty in the United States: 2022.” Census.gov, September 12, 2023. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-280.html.
These classroom resources are meant to be used as guides. Lessons may need to be adjusted to fit the needs of the students within your classroom, school, and community.
The following sources are from Gale OneFile: News. This resource is offered by NDSL.
United States Census Bureau
Other
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March 1964 |
President Lyndon B. Johnson introduced the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Economic Opportunity Act |
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May 22, 1964 |
President Lyndon B. Johnson gave his "Great Society" speech, which demanded an end to poverty and racial injustice. |
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1986 |
The National Coalition for the Homeless initiated the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week |
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2005 |
The National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month was initiated |
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2013 |
President Obama signed the presidential proclamation officially recognizing Poverty Awareness Month |
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