COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
OF NW MT
Poverty Simulation
Human service agencies, local civic and community leaders and the general public are all welcome to participate in this simulation being held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, starting at 1:30pm in Kalispell at the Gateway West Mall, 1203 US Hwy 2 Gathering Room.
Please RSVP to CAPNM by June 15, 2023, by calling (406) 752-6565 or hello@capnwmt.org.
The simulation was designed to sensitize those who frequently interact with low-income families as well as to create a broader awareness of poverty among policymakers, community leaders and others.
​
21,865 people experience the realities of poverty in Northwest Montana. Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana is holding a unique poverty simulation workshop that is designed to help people better understand the realities of poverty.
​
“This program helps people understand the complexities and frustrations of living in poverty day to day,” said Tracy Diaz, Executive Director Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana “With a greater awareness of its impact, we can more effectively address the poverty issues in our community.”
​
More than 133,621 Montanans are living at or below federal poverty level, according to the 2020 census. “This is the everyday reality of thousands of Montanans. Understanding that reality will help us change it,” said Ms. Diaz
​
“Community Action Poverty Simulations enables participants to look at poverty from a variety of angles and then to recognize and discuss the potential for change within their local communities,” said Elaine West, Executive Director of Missouri Association for Community Action, which made the simulation available nationwide.
​
​
​
​
​
​
Equality Justice
It has been heartbreaking to see what has happened across the country over the past few days. The killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many more black men and women is unacceptable and wrong on every level. It is devastating to see the injustices experienced by minority communities throughout history only be responded to at a breaking point. History teaches us great and meaningful change comes through true reflection, understanding, healing, and action.
The most important thing for us to do right now is to listen. Listen openly to each other, with the goal of learning and reaching for meaningful changes together. We recognize we have members of our community hurting and in pain right now, and it’s important all of us stand together in support, and then take action in our own lives and within our organizations.
In our efforts as a nonprofit, we deeply understand that this issue is, at its heart, a human issue. And we can’t ask our clients, guests, our supporters and our community to respect each other, if we don’t first respect and value each other, and the beauty and differences that make us who we are. We are a richer community when we empower and enable diverse voices.
We all have a responsibility to end injustice together. Let’s continue on that journey, to engage with each other and with the greater community, we can learn together from this moment. CAPNM does not discriminate, all individuals are welcome to participate in our services and programs regardless of race, color, religion or sexual orientation.
​
Tracy Diaz, CAPNM Executive Director
The National Community Action Partnership Stands in Solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community and Denounces All Expressions of Hate and Violence
(Washington, DC, March 19, 2021)—The COVID-19 pandemic unleashed both the largest health crisis and some of the most pronounced expressions of racism and violence in recent history. This continues to trouble the Community Action Network, especially given the escalated anti-Asian racism and the trend of violence against Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) persons, especially AAPI women.
Furthermore, we condemn the acts of violence in Atlanta, Georgia that took the lives of eight people, including six Asian-American women. We are heartbroken for their families and mourn this tragic loss with them. We also express deep disapproval of how law enforcement is choosing to frame these horrific events. This “bad day” was felt most severely by the victims and their loved ones, they are the ones in need of our support in this hour.
Racial Equity is central to the work of Community Action Partnership, and in moments like these our national network is collectively “leaning in” to embrace and give voice to AAPI people everywhere. We see you. We hear you. We are with you. We also lift up the amazing work of National Asian American Pacific Women’s Forum, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, Stop AAPI Hate Campaign, and countless other organizations who are mobilizing to support those who have been impacted by white supremacy, racism, misogyny and racialized violence.
Community Action Promise: Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
###
The National Community Action Partnership is the hub for the nation’s 1,000+ local Community Action Agencies that provide life changing services to individuals and families in 99% of America’s counties. The Partnership’s mission is to ensure the causes and conditions of poverty are effectively addressed and to strengthen, promote, represent and serve the Community Action Network.
