the campaign
The argument for reducing poverty in the District can rest on moral grounds about the injustice of poverty and the extreme inequality that exists across our city. Poverty can be seen as a fundamental violation of human dignity. It can be argued that the existence of poverty amidst plenty is a serious violation of moral values and a threat to the good of society.
The argument for reducing poverty, especially among children, can also rest on economic grounds. Studies show that early and extended exposure to poverty has negative long-term consequences for children. According to the research, children raised in poverty begin to fall behind their higher-income peers in cogitative achievement at an early age and that they have a much more difficult time catching up later in life. All told, when researchers estimate that child poverty costs the U.S. about $500 billion a year, the equivalent of nearly 4 percent of the country’s GDP.
Together, we can make a difference.
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Defeat Poverty DC is leading a 10-year campaign to cut in half the number of District residents living in poverty by ensuring that our city’s leaders enact policies that Make Basic Needs Accessible, Make Work Possible, and Make Work Pay.
Poverty Impacts Us All.
- Click here to sign the pledge to cut poverty in half in the District.
Click here to learn more about poverty in the District.
