In October 2024, CUSA executive director Kamatara Johnson presented at the Together We Thrive conference in Toledo, OH, along with colleagues from several other national anti-poverty organizations. Kamatara and Alex Ruder (CED Director and Principal Adviser at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta) led an interactive workshop on the Benefits Cliff.
Conference organizer Emerge Solutions described the gathering as “a unique opportunity to learn from international best practices, including Bridges Out of Poverty, EMPath Economic Mobility Pathways, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.”
The ES webpage expands upon “the value of all economic classes working to amplify the voices of individuals facing poverty and learn from their challenges and triumphs. Together We Thrive is not just a conference; it’s a collective movement towards a brighter, more equitable future. It’s an opportunity to come together, share our experiences, and work towards a common goal.” [Source]
Attendees discussed the fact that one common goal across anti-poverty organizations is mitigating the Cliff Effect. Circles USA focuses with intent on this Big View topic when we present in the national arena, since benefits cliffs rank high among leading reasons people are trapped in poverty. We want to raise awareness and offer resources like our Cliff Effect video and one-pager. CUSA also employs resources like the ATL Feds’ Cliff Effect planning tools. Kamatara shared, “This issue impacts our front-line workers and phantom workforce—those who would, could, should be working, but aren’t due to the penalties that come from advancing a little but not enough to be economically stable beyond government subsidies. The Cliff catapults people off the pathway to economic self-sufficiency. People’s dreams are deferred. By spreading this message and sharing the tools, we hope to create a wave of understanding and common agenda for policymakers, employers, and employees alike, to know that when we end the Cliff, we all thrive as individuals and communities.”
“This conference,” said Kamatara, “signals a turning point for Circles USA in the national anti-poverty arena. Our organization has reconnected with old partners and made vibrant new connections. I look forward to all the ways these new relationships can strengthen what we are all doing to alleviate poverty in the United States.”
In addition to fostering new partnerships and connections at this conference, the event’s proximity to the Circles Washtenaw County chapter in Ypsilanti, MI, allowed for a surprise visit! Sarah Thornburg, former executive director for Friends In Deed (lead organization for Circles Washtenaw County) not only attended the conference; she also drove Kamatara and fellow conference attendee/regional coach for the South Cheryl Williams to the Weekly Meeting.
Sarah enthused: “We loved hosting Kamatara and Cheryl at our Circles Washtenaw County weekly meeting. I love it when I get to visit other chapters, so it was great to have them at ours. Circles builds community…even national community."
Circles USA sends sincere thanks to Lynette Fields—executive director of Poverty Solutions Group and board member of Emerge Solutions—for working hard to connect organizations leading the poverty alleviation field. Says Lynette: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Emerge Solutions Board and Conference planning team. I'm grateful that they were open to including so many organizations that are working to alleviate poverty in the United States.”
Much appreciation also goes to Coordinator Twana and Coach Carla for their hospitality in Ypsilanti.
“We had a beautiful evening connecting with Circle Leaders, Allies, and youth over supper, and then an insightful time learning about budgeting,” said Kamatara.
"It was so energizing to be at the conference with so many people dedicated to the mission of ending poverty,” Sarah added. “It really brought home the point that TOGETHER we can have an impact on this beast of an issue."
We look forward to more presentations, partner connections, and chapter visits in 2025!