Christopher Winship
Christopher Winship is the Diker-Tishman Professor of Sociology at Harvard University and a faculty member at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He holds a BA in sociology and mathematics from Dartmouth College and a PhD in sociology from Harvard University. He completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin and at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. Prior to joining Harvard, he was Professor of Sociology and Statistics with a courtesy appointment in Economics, at Northwestern University.
How did you meet ATD Fourth World?
I have been involved with ATD Fourth World in various ways since the mid-1990s. It is a remarkable organization, founded in France in the late 1950s, that focuses on solidarity with people living in extreme poverty.
Why did (and do) you decide to work with ATD Fourth World?
ATD essentially does two things. First, its full-time volunteers live and work in 33 countries, including the United States, alongside families experiencing extreme poverty. Second, the organization works with the United Nations—where it holds top NGO status—on poverty policy. Long before most academics, ATD was speaking about poverty as a problem of social exclusion. It also has a permanent seat on the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council and played a major role in the development of French welfare policy in the 1960s.
What I love about ATD is its people, as well as the organization’s norms and goals. At its core are individuals, who devote their lives—24/7—to the work, supported by a modest living allowance. In addition, there are people living in extreme poverty, some of whom are recognized as activists, such as Stacy White. Then there are “allies,” like myself.
ATD is deeply committed to inclusion, to the worldwide elimination of extreme poverty, and to resisting the demonization of anyone—progress is achieved through broad-based partnerships. I could go on at length about ATD, but I encourage you to get involved and learn more.
What has been transformative? How have you and/or your life changed?
Being able to work with people primarily through partnership and inclusion as opposed to power.
What have been the highlights of your work with ATD Fourth World? What are the most important projects you’ve worked on?
Organizing campus at the International Headquarters, writing the Preface to The Poor are the Church. I have written prefaces and parts of chapters for various books. Helped organize meetings at the International Headquarters outside of Paris. Attended many meetings. Provide modest financial support.
How have you shared your work with ATD Fourth World with other people?
Often I provide people with books I have contributed to, particularly The Poor are the Church.
What are you looking forward to being part of next with ATD Fourth World?
The upcoming webinar! Join here.