The Learning Curve Chronicles: Together We Thrive
In this monthly blog series, Circles USA Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander shares insights on her learning journey, sources of inspiration, and what excites her about her work. The column offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the learning curve that drives growth and progress at CUSA as we continually deepen and enhance our mission of building community to end poverty.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to present at Emerge Solutions’ Together We Thrive conference in Wichita, KS. The conference was incredible; I met so many amazing people and learned so many poverty alleviation best practices I look forward to implementing in the Circles USA network.
Poverty is such a massive underlying challenge in the United States, and the harm being caused every day can feel overwhelming to both those experiencing poverty and those working to change the systems that keep people in poverty. Now that I have experienced a couple of in-person poverty alleviation conferences, one of the things I really appreciate is the commitment to include those with the lived experience of poverty. We at Circles USA know that systemic change is best led by those closest to the challenge. Meeting so many folks who are committed to making a difference not only in their lives, but the lives of others—while also navigating the daily challenges of not having enough resources—is a powerful reminder of the brilliance, empathy, resourcefulness, and dedication that exists in the poverty alleviation arena.
One of the ways that this commitment manifests, in addition to scholarships and speaking opportunities, is through offering most meals as part of the conference registration. As someone who has attended many conferences, retreats, and conventions, this is not the norm. I have had the experience of receiving a scholarship or gift to a conference, and then going to meals in expensive restaurants to build social capital with community leadership and only getting water or an appetizer because “I’m just not hungry”...when really I didn’t have the money to buy a meal. The practice of ensuring people are fed makes these communal spaces more accessible to everyone, including those with minimal resources.
As a bonus, the food at the Together We Thrive conference was delicious and abundant. There was more than enough for everyone, and the caterers often brought out to-go boxes so that people could take food back to their rooms and homes. My spouse kept asking when I called, “but is the food good?” because of how much I talked about it. As I complimented those serving us, I learned that the catering company used primarily employs students from Wichita State University (WSU), including culinary students. It was a privilege to experience their creativity and generosity in our meals.
My breakout presentation was on The Psychology of Spending: Why Money Choices Defy Logic, and I had a full house. This topic is one that I (along with our National Coach, Addie Hartnett) have presented several times now. Every time I share info about how our economic system cultivates an experience of scarcity and the impact on our brains, I learn more from the community. The people in my breakout shared their own profound thoughts and ideas, causing me to consider questions I didn’t know the answer to myself. One of my favorite aspects of being the Chief Learning Officer in CUSA is not knowing: learning and growing alongside the community. We had a beautiful “Q&E” (Question and Explore), because none of us have all the answers and everyone has something to offer.
One of the breakouts I attended that had a big impact on me was “Making Money Human: The Role of Personal Story in Finance,” presented by Matt Lucas the Director of Financial Wellness at WSU Tech. Because our breakouts had similar topics, Matt and I got together ahead of time to discuss our topics, learn from one another, and create a journey between our sessions. Attendees could experience the systemic with me and then the personal with Matt. His gentle questioning and personal stories (combined with adorable pictures from his own childhood) prompted fresh insights about my own financial journey—a reminder that there is always more to uncover in ourselves.
Matt’s session led to a big “aha” moment about how I ended up in this work. When I went to the grocery store with my mom, she would often write a check for more than the total, and the cashier would give her money back. I was about 5 or 6 when I learned that some people don’t have food or homes, which was beyond my ability to understand. One day at the store, I asked my mom why the grocers wouldn’t just give those people money for a piece of paper. She explained that people had to have the money in the bank to get money from the grocery store. I immediately decided that the bank was unfair for not giving everyone money, instead only letting some people have it. In that moment, my disdain for injustice and commitment to equity was born. I was struck by the power of this memory, and how that seemingly innocuous moment led me to my role in Circles USA and my place in that conference.
The two keynote speakers had very different yet equally powerful presentations. Dr. Gretchen Clark Hammond delivered an energizing, informative keynote that delved into the importance of empathy in poverty work. She explored how we can continue to cultivate and grow our personal empathy, and the empathy of our community, through education and support.
Daron Babcock shared about Bonton Farms, a farm he launched with his neighbors in their low-income urban community in Dallas, TX. His story was simultaneously hope-producing and heartbreaking. I had two big insights from his story. The first was the way he came alongside the residents, empowering them to step into leadership and build the community into a home. He didn’t rescue, save, or do for. This led to the second insight. Daron, a white man, utilized his privilege and power to gain opportunities and resources for this underserved community. It was a reminder that having privilege (like white privilege, male privilege, or class privilege) isn’t something to feel guilty about, but rather something that we can wield intentionally to make a difference.
Conferences like Together We Thrive offer opportunities to learn, grow, and network. They are also a way to recharge and recommit to the work we do: I left Wichita more engaged, more empowered, and more hopeful than I came. That is the power of community and why Circles USA recognizes that community is the antidote to poverty. For those of you who are already a part of our community, stay tuned as we invite some of the individuals we met at the conference to present. And if you aren’t a part of Circles yet, now is the time! Check out CirclesUSA.org for more information about what we do, why we do it, and how to get involved.
Read more from Kris on her monthly Circles USA blog, The Learning Curve Chronicles:
