My Truth

More then 40 million people in America, the wealthiest nation in the world, are currently threatened by a lack of health care, housing, adequate food, education, and living wages.  At the second Poverty Truth Commission hosted by Union Theological Seminary on April 13, 2007 leaders from around the country testified to violations of their economic human rights that are and have been a direct result of living in poverty in the United States” I had the honor of representing DAWG at this historic event. 

 In addition to the Truth Commission, workshops were offered during the day.  Morning sessions explored how and why religious leaders and other people of conscious are setting up Truth Commissions in the

Afternoon sessions included panel discussions featuring poor people who are organizers in their communities and leaders in the fight for economic justice for poor people.  The sessions explored ways in which these groups by joining together can play a vital role in the effort to build a movement to end poverty lead by poor people. 

When Evelyn, DAWG’s Executive Director, spoke with the Seminary students on Jan. 11, they were moved by the same passion she conveys anytime she speaks about poverty in WV and DAWG’s work.  She is the “voice of DAWG” that they wanted to bring to

How could I possibly be “the voice of DAWG”? How could I say everything Evelyn would have said?Going to

Then when I started telling my story….Its not that I forgot to be “Evelyn”, to be “the voice of DAWG”.  Its that I became me.  I found my voice that day.  I realized that I was the voice of DAWG just as much as Evelyn.  That we are all the voice of DAWG.  That anyone who lives in poverty in WV is the voice of DAWG.I’ve come to realize that by sharing my “truths” and the convictions that we all share……….that I represented the very purpose of DAWG.  The very reason the organization exists. 

 To give voice to the poor in