Social Justice and Adult RE are hosting a series of educational/informational sessions on issues facing our community. The next session will be Wednesday, April 12, at 6:00 p.m.
The first session, held March 8, focused on children in poverty. Research presented by Susan Randall included the following information:
• … poverty is a call to action — for the poor and the wealthy alike — a call to change the world so that many more may have enough to eat, adequate shelter, access to education and health, protection from violence, and a voice in what happens in their communities. [World Bank]
• The poverty rate in Sioux Falls is 13.9%. (Annual income of $24,000 or less for a family of four.)
• 44% of students in the Sioux Falls School District qualify for free or reduced lunches. (11,069 children)
• Some 445 Sioux Falls 3- and 4-year-olds are on waiting lists for pre-kindergarten programs that serve children in poverty — Head Start, Title I schools, and Focus schools.
Gathering knowledge about local challenges will lead to an action plan for All Souls with focus on select areas and awareness of possible community partnerships.
At the April meeting, participants will learn about issues facing veterans. Everyone is invited to attend as we explore how we, as Unitarian Universalists, live our values.