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Poverty in Oklahoma

Explore definitions of poverty, current statistics, and impacts on communities in Oklahoma and the nation. Learn how to take action and access resources. Discover the Tide project and more.

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Poverty in Oklahoma

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  1. Poverty in Oklahoma Developed by: Jan Maples, Renée Daugherty, and Dave Shideler Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service/Oklahoma State University Prepared with support from: Rachel Welborn and Meaghan Gordon Southern Rural Development Center/Mississippi State University January 2013 (Revised February 15, 2016)

  2. Lesson Objectives: • Understand 3 alternative definitions of poverty • Be able to describe current statistics about poverty and how it affects communities, Oklahoma and the nation • Apply the issue of poverty to your lives and discover the importance of action • Generate a list of personal actions youcan take regarding the issue of poverty and select one on which to work • Describe the Tide project and consult with or access other programs, websites, or resources on the issue of poverty

  3. Definitions of Poverty • Based on money • Poverty thresholds (U.S. Census Bureau) • Poverty guidelines (U.S. Dept. of HHS) • Based on money and other resources True or False? • The official poverty definition of the Census Bureau uses money income before taxes and does not include noncash benefits.

  4. Answer: • The official poverty definition of the Census Bureau uses money income before taxes and does not include noncash benefits. TRUE: The Census Bureau includes all pre-tax wages, salaries, retirement and other money income sources, but it does not include non-cash benefit programs like WIC, SNAP or housing vouchers.

  5. What is the “official” poverty definition? A household is considered to be in poverty if total household cash income is less than the poverty threshold. • Cash income includes any unrestricted sources of income. • Threshold reflects the cost of food and basic services – not necessarily all living expenses.

  6. Threshold values vary by: • Household size • Household composition (e.g., age; presence of elderly or children) Differs from poverty guidelines: • Threshold values do NOT vary by geography • NOT used to qualify individuals for Federal transfer payment programs (e.g., SNAP, CHIP, subsided housing)

  7. 2015 Poverty Thresholds View the complete table of thresholds at: http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/threshld/thresh15.xls

  8. Poverty Guidelines (defined/used by U.S. Dept. of HHS) • Used to determine program qualification • Figures similar to Census Bureau’s poverty thresholds, except for: • Different rates for AK, HI • Not based on age

  9. Each Federal program defines income and the qualification level (e.g., 125% or 200% of the poverty guideline) 2015 Guidelines can be downloaded at https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

  10. Example of Applying Guidelines Percent of Students Eligible for Free & Reduced Lunches (State of Oklahoma / Ottawa County) Taken from the Oklahoma School Profiles, http://www.schoolreportcard.org/report-card/county/list To qualify for reduced meals, household income must be less than 185% of the poverty guideline; for free meals, must be less than 130%

  11. True or False? • The northeastern U.S. has long been the poorest region of the United States. • Oklahoma has the highest poverty rate in the nation.

  12. True or False? • The northeastern U.S. has long been the poorest region of the United States. FALSE: The southeastern region of the US has long been the poorest region. • Oklahoma has the highest poverty rate in the nation. FALSE: Mississippi has the highest poverty rate at 21.9%.

  13. In Comparison… Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates, 2014

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  15. True or False? • Poverty is solely the result of an individual’s actions

  16. True or False? • Poverty is solely the result of an individual’s actions FALSE: Poverty is not simply the result of “bad choices.” While individuals may bear some responsibility for their circumstances, social institutions like educational systems, laws and regulations, and a lack of exposure to alternative ideas/classes, contribute to and can exacerbate an individual’s poverty.

  17. Poverty is Everywhere

  18. Poverty: The extent to which an individual does without resources. -Ruby Payne Financial Emotional Mental Spiritual Physical Support systems Relationships/role models Knowledge of hidden rules Coping strategies Integrity, trust Motivation, persistence, Formal register Sources: Bridges out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities (Payne, DeVol and Smith), Bridges to Sustainable Communities: A system-wide, cradle-to-grave approach to ending poverty in America (DeVol), and Bridges out of Poverty presentation, Stillwater, OK May 2011

  19. Making It Personal:Describe a time when you, or someone close to you, struggled with poverty(of any kind).What was it like?How did others react?Did any of the resources takethe place of or ease the feelingcaused by inadequate money?

  20. Making It Personal:What were the similarities in the stories?What were the differences?Anything really strike home with you?Why is it important to look at our own stories?

  21. Turning the Tide on Poverty “Creating Vibrant Communities Together” • A joint project: • Southern Rural Development CenterVisit: http://srdc.msstate.edu/tide/ • 5 state Extension Services (including Oklahoma) • Kettering Foundation • Everyday Democracy • Objective:Involve a wide range of community members in fighting poverty by utilizing local talents and resources • Two stages – move from deliberative dialogue to action • Pilot test in 2009-2010 - Okfuskee County

  22. Action Forum Kick Off Turning the Tide on Poverty Raises awareness about poverty among the general public through civil dialogue that leads to community-wide action Stage 1 Community Circles Organize Action Facilitator Training Plan for Action Community Change Work On Actions Recruit Participants and Facilitators

  23. Stage 2 – Action (1+ yrs) Action teams: • Set goals with measurable objectives • Implement plans • Determine successes • Assess progress • Where appropriate, institute permanent policies and programs

  24. Community Circles Mini-simulation Why is there poverty here?

  25. Tide outcomes in OK (Okfuskee Co. 2009-12) • Helped residents overcome apathy • Caused small communities to see similar issues and learn together • Found employment for some receiving TANF • Helped create community pride and unity • Created a Clearview community vegetable garden • Tide outcomes • in other states): • Helped stop youth gang violence (AL) • Allowed high school’ers to realize leadership potential and build conflict resolution skills by working on community issues (LA) • Created food pantries, clothing closets, community gardens, and Community Resource Directory (MS) • Planted fruit trees, created farmers’ market, and developed actions to improve the quality of schools (MS) For more information about Turning the Tide on Poverty: http://srdc.msstate.edu/tide/results.html

  26. Let’s brainstorm… Taking Action Pledge Card… I Can Do…

  27. Tide Contacts in Oklahoma • Jan Maples • Okfuskee County • (918) 623-0641 • Renée Daugherty • OSU Professor Emeritus • (918) 995-2261 Please turn in a brief evaluation. Thanks!

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