Conditions for Participation

ATD Fourth World is recognized not just as a leading expert in poverty eradication, but as the organization that knows how to bring very different perspectives together in the work towards that eradication, always including people with first-hand experience of poverty. ATD Fourth World members involved in the organization of events or projects say that first and foremost, conditions must be met to successfully have each person’s expertise be given equal weight, to have each person not just feel heard, but also be heard. Just having different people show up at the table is not enough.

Without meeting certain conditions, those with the loudest, strongest voices, those with the most confidence and practice, those who are not speaking from a personal, private, traumatic or sensitive experience, those who have been recognized by “respectable institutions” for their expertise, etc. will dominate not just the conversation, but its purpose, evolution and result. If this result is missing the input from people with lived experience of poverty, it will do more to perpetuate the status quo than to change it. So what are the conditions that must be met to have this expertise fully contribute to the eradication of poverty? And how are they met?

  • Trust and Support - trust and support must be built over time
  • Time - take time and decide who controls it
  • Practices - plan practices that prevent harm and build power
  • Impact - measure impact together
  • Compensation - consider who gets paid for their time and knowledge

Please donate today to help fund the time, training, and creative resources required to set the conditions for participation.

Continue to read how ATD Fourth World members in New York City create the conditions for participation each year to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17th.

Every year on October 17th, people with lived experience of poverty bring their messages to the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York City. This day, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, is an opportunity for people living in poverty to speak out and be heard by world leaders. It is also an invitation for all people to recognize the knowledge that people in poverty have, the struggles they face, and the efforts they make to lead a life in dignity.

Creating such a rare public and high-level space for participation of people with first-hand experience of poverty requires years of partnerships with people in poverty, civil society organizations, and UN agencies. Driven by these relationships, the annual event requires several months of preparation which ATD Fourth World UN representatives lead through:

  • Cooperative writing that supports people to find their own voice in their message
  • Navigating barriers such as lack of transportation, childcare, necessary paperwork, etc.
  • Rehearsing speeches to build a speaker’s power
  • Brainstorming and planning with all involved stakeholders to ensure the sharing of power and that people experiencing poverty are recognized as experts in finding solutions
  • Preparing a reception at the Fourth World House to celebrate and evaluate the individual and collective accomplishments

The ATD Fourth World community supports the designated speakers each year. Everyone shares responsibilities such as preparing with the speakers, managing registrations, helping each other get to the location, preparing food for the reception, and giving words of encouragement. There is a sense of togetherness that lifts people up. Activists with an experience of poverty find the courage to speak on the floor of the UN because they know people believe in them.

Thank you for considering a contribution to the October 17th United Nations event in New York City where we know the conditions for participation and community building will be present and give strength to people experiencing poverty.

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