Access to Basic Needs: Food and Water and Shelter
The basic essentials of a human's life is food, water and shelter. Without any of these how is one expected to live and contribute to their community, family, world. My focus would most likely be worldwide since in developing countries there are higher rates of people living without these needs met. Though I dare not turn an eye from Louisiana or Baton Rouge specifically. A few semesters ago I volunteered at a food bank with my class. Yet, this food bank was unlike anything I had ever seen. The unusual name, Client Choice Food Pantry, is part of Hope Ministries that serves as an actual pantry.
For my activism, not only to bring awareness of this urgent need, whether here in BR or abroad, I would use their model of the food pantry. It is simply a room stocked with all kinds of food items. The people who come in to "shop" are given a basket and a list of what items are available that day. This allows for the people to have a sense of dignity that they are not just being given food because they cannot afford it, but are able to choose what their families and themselves actually need. Even at the end of their shopping trip there is a small counter and register where I volunteer (like myself) would "check out" their items. I think having pantries like this in more common places (though it could be costly) would serve as a type of protest. It could also serve as a way for the community to join and serve each other.
I would definitely want the media to be utilized. Actually, while I was there volunteering a local news reports was there filming and interviewing the clients and volunteers. I remember seeing myself on the news later that night as I served as a mock cashier. By using the media the word about the locations of these pantries would be easy access and would draw more people into just knowing about this place, whether they are in need or want to volunteer.
For the last question, I do not think this protest would ever really end until there is access for everyone to the basic necessities of a human life. The issue of poverty has always been something I have sought to change or to help in any way. Though there are many many factors that lead to poverty that I know this only type of activism simply would not end it.
Here is a link to Hope Ministries. It is truly a great place and they are actually helping people.
http://hopebr.org/client-choice-food-pantry.html
I appreciate your activism to bring awareness for the hungry. It really creative and would change the idea of I'm going to the pantry to get food because I can't afford to buy by own. It would give the clients a sense of self worth and that they can strive through their troubles with the help of the community.
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