All people have the right to be gainfully employed, to better themselves and provide for their families, however a growing number of what was once the middle class, are now considered the "working poor" (Newman, 2009). Nobody who works full time should be struggling financially to meet their basic needs. Recent statistics show that there is a significant correlation between growing up in poverty and continuing the cycle into adulthood (Dao & Edenhofer, 2018). Studies also show that positive reinforcement in educational settings and community engagement can help break the cycle of extreme poverty (Noguera, 2011).
Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders has introduced a Bill to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, S.1590 (2017), titled "Employ Young Americans Now Act". If passed, The Employ Young Americans Now Act will federally fund $5,500,000,000 towards job training and employment opportunities to disadvantaged youth and young adults. These work-based trainings and educational programs would provide the skills and assistance needed to help individuals obtain employment, specifically in emerging or in-demand occupations, as well as public/nonprofit sectors that meet community needs.
The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (NASW, 2017) Value of Social Justice highlights the need for "social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social workers' social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice". This means striving to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources to all individuals so that they have the opportunities to live a comfortable life, without fear of homelessness or hunger.
Please sign this petition to support S.1590 Employ Young Americans Now Act. Your signature will advocate for individuals who are able bodied, intelligent and ready to work. This will improve the personal lives of so many, as well as entire communities. When our communities improve, we are all impacted by the positive change.
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.." – Booker T. Washington
