November - Socioeconomic Disparity

Article: 5 American Authors of Wealth, Poverty, and Inequality


It is a truism that novelists reflect the concerns of their times. In this article, we highlight the novels of five American authors who lived and wrote during a period of immense social inequalities and upheaval—the late Victorian period in Great Britain, and the Gilded Age in America.

The five novelists we have chosen to highlight are: Henry James (1843–1916), William Dean Howells (1837–1920), Frank Norris (1870–1902), Theodore Dreiser (1871–1945), and Edith Wharton (1862–1937). Within a comparatively brief span of two decades (1885 to 1905), these authors produced five novels from which it is possible to take in a sweeping view of the massive transformations that were taking place in societies on both sides of the Atlantic through economic development, the concentration of wealth and power, and intense class conflict.

October - The Social Welfare System

Article: Reexamining Our Social Welfare System

An excerpt from: The Common Good: Social Welfare and the American Future
Policy Recommendations of the Executive Panel; Ford Foundation

Social welfare policy in the United States must be fundamentally reformed and modernized. Economic, demographic, and social conditions have changed, but our social policies have not adapted to these changes.

September - Poverty

Article: The Compassion Gap in American Poverty Policy
By: Fred Block, Anna C. Korteweg, and Kerry Woodward, with Zach Schiller and Imrul Mazid

"Why does the world's wealthiest country let so many languish in grinding poverty? And why is the situation getting worse, not better?"

This is our "compassion gap" - a deep divide between our moral commitments and how we actually treat those in poverty.

Introduction to Forum

Poverty alleviation is the key mission of AmeriCorps VISTA. Throughout your year of service, it is important stay connected to the bigger picture. The term "poverty" is multifaceted; affected by a myriad of other issues. Continued knowledge and discussion on these topics will only deepen your understanding of poverty and ultimately help you provide for the populations you are serving.

Each month an article, based on a poverty related topic, has been chosen for you to read and discuss with your fellow VISTAs. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, (well, it's mandatory... but the illusion of choice is always fun) will be to read the article of the month (posted at www.nyccvista.org) and visit this blog site to post your comments. You are required to post at least ONCE for each monthly article. Of course, this is the minimum. I believe your insights and passions will stir much more discussion on these hot topics.

The articles included in this forum are being used solely for discussion purposes. They do not represent the views or opinions of New York Campus Compact, the Corporation for National and Community Service or either of its members.