The attendees had an open discussion that allowed them to get acquainted with and learn from one another. Here are excerpts from notes taken at the meeting:
children from families in poverty require [their families to be educated] about the importance of promoting early language and literacy skills
building relationships with families in need, providing early intervention, conducting outreach activities, connecting families to technology, supporting
nutritional health, connecting families in need to existing services in the community and capitalizing on successes by expanding programs and reach
the needs of older students, especially those in transition from foster care.
Many students require basic needs being met, including emotional needs,
clothing and food. Students who are struggling often self-medicate, necessitating mental and behavioral health services.
students who identify as gay and children who are experiencing loss and grief and require counseling
information about resources at Axis [Community Health]
Agendas are prepared in advance for the Health and Education Committee for the 9:00 AM meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at Axis Health Center in Livermore. Anyone with expertise in Health or Education is welcome to attend.
Housing Committee Meeting
City governments do not manage the construction of housing. They control zoning and set requirements on the completed structures and the treatment of building sites. But in many cases they can provide inducements to developers so that housing needs and concerns of residents are satisfied.
One problem that was discussed was how to get landlords to accept "Section 8" renters (who receive subsidies on their rent, making the rental units more affordable to low income renters). It was decided to begin talking with landlords to learn their perspectives on satisfying the needs of the poor.
Many ideas have been put forth to make housing more affordable, such as sharing of housing and radical changes in construction.
Tri-Valley Anti-Poverty Collaborative meeting
The members didn't vote to change the name of the organization until the end of the meeting. Before that there was a presentation by Mariana Moore from the nonprofit, Ensuring Opportunity. (To see their website,
click here )
Another presentation was given by Dave Brown of an organization called "All In - Alameda County". Dave had four points to make as guidance for our anti-poverty effort as to what we needed for success
- A Shared Community Vision - it's absolutely critical that you hold each other responsible for maintaining the shared vision
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Community Decision Making
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Collaborative Action
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Action Sustainability - you need "anchors" who will hold you to a unified vision
