Editor’s note: My focus in this post is on the poverty of developed nations like the US and the UK; not that of third world countries.  I think the needs and therefore the conversation, drastically change depending on the level of poverty being discussed.

Today is Blog Action Day and as most of you already know, the subject is ‘Poverty’.  I’ve had this in the back of my mind since I first signed up a few months ago.  “How can I talk about poverty when I’ve never really felt the pains of true hunger?  How can I even start to give advise or tips on the subject, let alone know where the greatest needs are?”

Do we really know what poverty feels like?

I know I don’t.  And frankly I don’t want to know, at least not first hand.  I’m quite sure that it is a painful, demoralizing experience for many and the end for a lot.  But I also suspect it is a challenge for some.  There are those who respond to this kind of diversity as if it were a game and they were the underdog; letting their struggles fuel their drive for success.  But I think this all depends on the situation and degree of being without.

Here in the United States we know poverty of a different kind.  Sure there are those who are literally dying of hunger, but when you think of ‘the poor’ in the US you think of children with raggedy clothes who live off of hot dogs and mac ‘n cheese.  Certainly a situation with many struggles, but nothing compared to the dire circumstances that millions endure in other countries; dying of disease and starvation each and every day.

Different levels of poverty.

Poverty is no different than anything else when it comes to it’s defining characteristics.  Much of what we consider poor, may be ‘comfortable living’ for another human perspective.  It’s hard for me to say the word ‘poverty’ without wanting to ask, “What kind of poverty?  Are we talking about the ‘haven’t eaten for days’ kind, or the ‘can’t afford to buy the kids new clothes’ kind.  I think the word is often thrown around without being properly defined.  Some may say that this shouldn’t matter.  Poor is poor.  But I disagree.  I think that, depending on the level of poverty, the conversation can go in many different directions.

The different faces of a helping hand.

You wouldn’t give a man dying of starvation a job application, would you?  And yet someone who is poor, but able to meet the most basic of human needs, may benefit more from that application than a food/money handout.

“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day.  Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.”       ~ Chinese Proverb

I’m a big believer that, all too often, handouts are not the answer.  As I stated before, this all depends on the level of poverty being addressed.  But for a high percentage of ‘poor people’ there is a much greater need for knowledge, opportunity and motivation than there is for an object with a short life span. If a family is able to maintain basic health, wouldn’t it be more valuable for the breadwinner to be given hope for a brighter future?  Having an ‘extra nice’ meal once in a while is not going to alter their circumstances.  But planting the seeds of opportunity in the heart of those in need can change everything!

Now let’s take a look at some of my words above; “If a family is able to maintain basic health…”  Unfortunately there are those who are unable to do just that.  Those who may have an illness that isn’t being properly treated because they can’t afford it.  Here is where the monetary giving has its place.  And of course there are many great organizations who give the hope I speak of, that need all the money they can get.  So don’t think I am encouraging people not to give some of these resources.  I’m just here to promote the more ‘complicated’ offering.

Throw money at yourself so you can give your time.

We all know it’s much easier (and tax deductible) to just throw money at poverty.  But even in this form, you are giving your time as well.  The time you spent making that money and the time spent giving it away.  So what if we were to take some of that money, trade it in for more free time and use that time to support someone in need. Someone who could benefit more from our direct interaction than they could from an indirect contribution.  I think we can all make a much greater impact if we are willing to do such a thing.

Poverty is sometimes a choice.

This may be an unpopular subject when it comes to this topic, but I think it’s important to mention.  Many of those in poverty are there because of the poor choices they’ve made in life.  Whether it be drug use, laziness or just plain foolishness, there are those out there who have no one to blame but themselves.  Why do I point this out?  Because every different form of poverty requires a different solution.

This may sound insensitive, but I say it not to neglect, but to properly support.  I don’t want to see a poor person go hungry, but feeding them alone still leaves their spirits in shambles.

Build up the spirit and you will find a greater return on your investment.

If you find yourself in a position to give, make sure you also look for opportunities to build up the human spirit.  It is this lasting positive influence we can have on those in need, that can truly make a difference.  It will be through our love, support and encouragement that the poor may once again live a life of abundance!