The York Poverty Truth Commission brings people together and inspires change
What if people living in poverty could work with civic leaders to fight it?
This question is at the heart of the growing Poverty Truth Commission (PTC) movement.
York PTC recently held a celebration and next steps event and we caught up with some of the participants.
Here’s what they had to say:
John
“I think it’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to us. It’s the icing on the cake for all the other things I do in the city. It was really good. I think people are listening now. Citizen commissioners are listening to us.
“Everyone thought money would be at the top of the agenda, but it’s not. It’s about being respectful, kind, and listened to. We are like a family and we look after each other.”
Kate
“I joined later than the others, but everyone was so lovely. Better than I expected. We’ve had a lot of tears because people have said things that have moved us, and then to see it move people who have the power to make decisions is incredible.
“I went to an event in York about poverty and I was amazed at how they asked people to imagine what it’s like to be poor. I have never known a life where there was anything but poverty. Then Ali (one of PTC’s assistants) heard me and we talked and I never looked back.”
Lynne
“When we first got together as a big group, I felt a bit overwhelmed and out of my depth. But it was worth it because you meet some lovely people and realize you fit in somewhere. Regardless of all the bad things that happened before, you are now turning a new page and doing things to make sure other people get the help they need.
Karen
“At first I thought the idea seemed quite negative, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. The people around this table have had very difficult experiences, but there is no judgment, no one asking, “Why did you do that?” he doesn’t ask.
“There is mercy here. When we held our launch event, it was clear how much citizens really care.”
Wiki
“Some of the citizen commissioners were crying and hugging us. People were changing their phone numbers. I never thought this would happen. “Individually, we have made lifelong friends and I think we are starting to do something that will grow.”
Jamie
“I joined PTC by accident, but I made friends. We all used to pass by each other, but now we know each other. Some pushed our boundaries, but when I spoke in the hall at an event, I was myself. I became me through this group. Before that, I was just watching.”
Flashback: This video shows the launch of PTC in 2023
The story of the York Poverty Truth Commission
PTCs are made up of equal numbers of community commissioners (local residents with personal experience of poverty) and citizen commissioners (people whose professional position enables them to help bring about change). Church Action on Poverty helped with the initial work to establish the York PTC with local organisations.
At the celebration event, PTC presented a charter of organizational standards. Community commissioners said their priority is to be treated with dignity and respect by the organizations they work with. Citizen commissioners have publicly committed to adopting and integrating the charter into their employers’ work practices, and have urged others to do the same.
Community commissioners have also spoken at a GP staff training event and speak at council meetings and participate in other local decision-making processes. Thanks to the PTC’s work, the city council is now reviewing the letters it sends to people in arrears.
If you liked this story, why not Read about the Unheard York Stories Project did we participate?
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