Let's Talk Poverty

In this episode, Jaclyn Silbernagel catches up with Sue Gwynn from Poverty Talks! to chat about the importance of engaging with the voices of lived experience. Hear about why Poverty Talks! challenges perceptions around poverty, how models and systems keep people in poverty, and why poverty is a trap.

In this episode, VCC’s Executive Director Meaghon Reid sits down with Mayor Naheed Nenshi. Mayor Nenshi is one of the original champions of the Enough for All strategy and emphasizes how ‘my neighbour’s strength is my strength.’ Listen to them discuss priorities for Calgary and poverty reduction, insights from over a decade of serving as Calgary’s mayor, advice for navigating the multi-jurisdictional landscape, the importance of policy, programs and people, and their optimism for the future.

VCC's Executive Director Meaghon Reid sits down with Karen Young, president and CEO of the United Way of Calgary and Area, to discuss how community partnerships deliver dividends in the poverty reduction space. The United Way is a leader in developing key partnerships that drive results. Get to know what the United Way has learned from initiatives like Community Hubs, how businesses are evolving around social purpose, and how they’re taking community action on youth mental health.

In this episode, literary specialist Berniece Gowan discusses how improving literacy levels can shift the needle on poverty reduction. With one in five Albertans experiencing challenges in literacy, numeracy or use of basic digital technology, these individuals can face stigma, employment challenges and increased levels of poverty. Organizations like Calgary Learns are tackling this issue head on with their focus on how to make community-based learning more accessible. Berniece’s work on why literacy matters and how to improve foundational learning, have had incredible impacts on the community.