Nearly all Canadians believe that the homeless deserve a sense of dignity

Xenophon Strategies / PRGN, Washington, DC/USA, 14.07.2011

Katie Lane z Xenophon Strategies opisuje kampanię przeprowadzoną wspólnie z Armią Zbawienia, której celem była zmiata postaw społecznych względem bezdomnych.

This encouraging fact, among others, was revealed in a report by The Salvation Army in Canada with the assistance of Xenophon Strategies. The report and its findings reflected the goal of the “Dignity Project”-- to educate the public about the reality of poverty in the 21st century – and underscore the point that everyone deserves fundamental human dignity.   

Launched in March and culminating in the declaration of May as Dignity Month, Xenophon and The Salvation Army developed various materials and events to promote the idea of dignity including:

• Through a press release, The Salvation Army launched its annual Red Shield Campaign, which aims to raise money to directly support those living in poverty through Salvation Army social services like emergency shelter care, substance abuse counseling and employment training.
   
• The report “Canada Speaks” revealed Canadians’ perceptions on the homeless.  The survey of more than 1,000 Canadians revealed that a surprising number of Canadians have experienced homelessness-related issues: nearly one-quarter of Canadians have received or are currently receiving assistance from a food bank or charitable group and seven percent reported that they have had to sleep on the street or in a shelter.

• The announcement from The Salvation Army of May as “Dignity Month.” The goal of this announcement inspired action in others – to educate and motivate the public to change their thinking about those struggling to get by every day.
• “Dignity Speaks,” an event  held on May 15th that focused on poverty education, and included musical talent and guest speakers sharing Salvation Army success stories. The event in downtown Toronto, and streamed live via webcast, featured Juno-award-winning artists Downhere and up-and-coming band Hark the Herons.  
• The report, “Debunking Myths about Poverty in Canada,” which revealed that many Canadians continue to believe persistent myths about poverty and the poor. The study, based on research conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion, was designed to educate and inform the public about the challenges facing society’s most vulnerable people.

The work of the Dignity Project continues, but through the tactics listed above, The Salvation Army made significant steps forward in putting dignity within reach for all.

source: Xenophon Strategies – PRGN member from USA