Accountability in Action: A Pledge to Economic Justice & Poverty
Direction: Indicate whether you have taken action on the items listed below by checking the appropriate column. This is not just about reflection—it’s about accountability.
Self-Reflection & Awareness
Have I actively sought out resources (books, articles, conversations) to enhance my understanding of poverty, economic injustice, and trauma-informed care?
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Have I examined my own biases about poverty and considered how they may impact my work, interactions, or decision-making?
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Have I reevaluated my language, behaviors, or assumptions that may unintentionally perpetuate harmful stereotypes about poverty?
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Have I reflected on whether I see poverty as an individual issue or as a systemic issue, and how that shapes my response to it?
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Challenging Bias in Daily Life
Have I corrected or challenged a harmful stereotype or comment about poverty, low-income individuals, or government assistance in conversations?
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Have I reconsidered my perceptions of wealth and financial stability, recognizing that generational poverty creates different starting points for different people?
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Have I acknowledged how historical discrimination (redlining, wage gaps, predatory lending, mass incarceration, etc.) contributes to poverty today?
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Have I taken the time to listen to and amplify the voices of those who have lived experience with poverty, rather than assuming I know what’s best?
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Institutional & Workplace Practices
Have I advocated for leadership or board representation that includes people with lived experiences of poverty?
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Have I examined whether my organization’s policies or programs create barriers rather than removing them?
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Have I challenged policies that require excessive documentation, unrealistic deadlines, or punitive consequences for those in need of services?
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Have I advocated for flexible, trust-based assistance programs that remove barriers for people in crisis?
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Have I asked my organization whether we measure impact beyond numbers—such as self-efficacy, financial healing, and community trust?
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Economic Justice & Community Engagement
Have I spent time understanding the economic disparities in my own community, including housing policies, employment trends, and financial access?
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Have I looked into whether schools, banks, landlords, or local employers reinforce systemic economic barriers?
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Have I considered how my own purchasing or hiring decisions impact economic justice?
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Have I supported local businesses owned by historically marginalized groups?
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Have I advocated for living wages, affordable housing, or other systemic changes in my community?
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Personal & Organizational Commitment
Have I committed to learning and unlearning harmful economic narratives, even when uncomfortable?
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Have I ended my involvement with organizations that reinforce economic injustice through exclusionary policies or practices?
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Have I used my influence, platform, or network to advocate for equitable financial practices and anti-poverty initiatives?
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Have I invested in continuing education on trauma-informed care, economic justice, and systemic inequality?
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Reflection & Next Steps
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What surprised you about your responses?
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Which areas do you need to work on the most?
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What’s one action you commit to taking in the next 30 days?
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What support or education do you need to become more effective in combatting economic injustice?
Change starts with accountability. Take this commitment seriously and revisit your progress regularly. Together, we can build systems that empower, rather than punish, those in poverty.
Next Steps:
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Share your commitment. Let others know what steps you’re taking to challenge poverty bias.
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Join our workshops. Engage in The Psychology of Poverty Training to deepen your understanding.
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Advocate for policy change. Whether at work or in your community, push for economic justice initiatives that create lasting change.
Thank you for using this worksheet! We’d love to hear how it helped you or your organization. Please take a moment to share your feedback:
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