Top 5 campaigns against poverty

The Borgen Project

Started by a young Washington University graduate, Clint Borgen, The Borgen Project has become possibly the most influential campaign against poverty in the United States. What is most amazing is that its founder had to work ordinary jobs — including as a hotel room-service assistant — to make a living, yet thanks to support from volunteers and like-minded people, it now boasts a presence in over 750 cities. The idea behind it is simple: change can only come from the bottom, so a better fight against poverty is only won when people lobby their representatives in Congress to take up these issues. Thanks to its many volunteers — including prominent personalities — it has persuaded leading politicians to take a strong stance, and currently two Congressmen, one Republican and one Democrat, serve on its board of directors.

Feeding America

To fight hunger and food insecurity — the most appalling manifestation of poverty — Feeding America was set up more than 35 years ago. It is a network of food banks across the country that aims to provide nutritious, wholesome food to people who lack it. Today it boasts more than 200 food banks in the USA and is the largest organisation providing relief from hunger.

LIFT

LIFT is another important organisation fighting poverty in the USA through activism, with centers in eight major cities including Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC. The organisation is made up of advocates and members — many of them financially weak — who work together. Essentially, LIFT provides coaches to people who need help; through their guidance, and the organisation's monetary support, families are enabled to overcome obstacles.

National Urban League

The issue of poverty can't be divorced from race in the USA, which is why the National Urban League is a civil rights organisation dedicated to bringing economic empowerment to underserved communities in urban America. Started in 1910, the organisation focuses on topics such as education, jobs, housing and health through a range of programs.

Oxfam

Another highly-prominent organisation dedicated to fighting poverty, Oxfam is present in around 90 countries and works on a wide range of socio-economic issues. This includes a spirited campaign within the US itself for greater economic equality and greater sensitivity to the poor of the land.