We strive to act as allies with people living in poverty.
We approach this work from a privileged position as health care providers, where we are frequently the observers of the negative health impact of poverty. We do not speak or act on behalf of people living in poverty. Rather, we strive to speak and act as allies to these individuals.
Systemic oppression, not income inadequacy, is often the root cause of poverty.
People experience poverty when they lack economic, social, and cultural resources to facilitate meaningful participation in society and a reasonable quality of life. The experience of poverty is influenced by race, gender, ability, and other socially constructed categories. Income inadequacy is often not the root cause of poverty.
Poverty is not inevitable.
Poverty is not inevitable. It is a product of systemic oppression that results in societies being structured in an inequitable way. In our advanced capitalist society, poverty is generated by how both material resources and power are distributed.
Eliminating poverty requires changing the distribution of power in society.
To eliminate poverty, one needs to change how resources are distributed. Accomplishing this would require changing how power is distributed, since those in power make decisions about resources. Changing power requires several processes and includes building coalitions across society with those who share our views; engaging in the reframing of popular held ideas through education and the media; engaging in creative resistance, including direct action; drawing attention to and opposing the implementation of policies that entrench the status quo.
Poverty can be eliminated.
We believe that changing the distribution of power can occur and that poverty can be eliminated. Policy change is feasible and can make a positive impact on the health of individuals and communities.
Health Providers Against Poverty 