Return to Main Page | Appendix

STANDARDS Because we lucky people are so remote from the poor we do not always see the absurdity of judging them by our standards. FOOD We are physically what we eat. We have a wide choice and should know a good from a bad diet. The poor eat "filling food." Meat, milk and vegetables are costly. Through.lack of education they also buy things which we know constitute bad food. OUR THINKING can he the result of our experiences but is often the result of our upbringing and education. We must expect a difference, though sometimes we are surprised at the superior thinking of poor who have little formal education. OUR BEHAVIOUR, MORALS AND APPEARANCE are based very much on what is expected of us in the social-economic bracket to which we belong. Here again we must free ourselves from judging others by ourselves. THE POOR ARE AT THE MERCY OF THE PUBLIC AGENCIES. Like all of us, people who work for agencies are good, bad or indifferent. We know as little about them and the rules under which they work as we know about the poor. The more we know the rules the better able we are to help. When we intercede between a client and an agency we must really know at least some of the rules of the agency and ALL THE FACTS of the client's case! POOR PEOPLE ARE FOREVER BEING HUMILIATED BY THE QUESTIONS THEY HAVE TO ANSWER AS CLIENTS OF PUBLIC AGENCIES. Friends Outside NEVER ask questions unless it is necessary. When our new friends want our help in a case of injustice, then we have to explain we must know the truth, all the truth, and nothing but the truth...or we will be useless to them. If your family walks out on you, do not mind. They were no . t ready to change. These cases are in the minority. The stories you will hear will make your face red with shame for the treatment people get just because they are poor and have no one to go to bat for them. YOU, AS A VOLUNTEER Make your own limits and stick by them. If you give your phone number to some poor frightened young mother, tell her the best time to call. WE NEVER CEASE TO MARVEL HOW CONSIDERATE OUR NEW FRIENDS ARE. 4. It is more important to stay a volunteer by using good judgment than to become so hopelessly involved you have to quit. LASTLY, when you start knowing the unmet needs of the poor it is overwhelming. Just don't be overcome. Do what you can remember you are not the Bank of America, Sears Roebuck, and certainly not GOD. CARING matters most, righteous indignation is very effective and gentle persuasion is very penetrating. Once a Friend Outside, always one. Good Luck!

Return to Main Page | Appendix