Mission

Poverty Liberation Collective (PLC) is guided by those with lived experience as we fight to end poverty through individual and community empowerment, advocacy, awareness, and local action. 

Empowerment: Trusting and projecting the perspectives of those struggling to ensure their needs are met and not overlooked. 

Advocacy: Standing with those who are affected in different ways than yourself and fighting for change and equity for everyone. 

Awareness: Educating people who may not understand the realities of poverty and how it impacts all parts of life. 

Local action: Honoring our local roots by using the resources we have to make change in our own communities. 

Vision 

Envision an inclusive culture without poverty where everyone’s basic needs are met, and everyone has the right to self-determination and dignity. 

Values

• We value community empowerment to take initiative in caring for our neighborhood.  
• We value using inner and outer resources to fight poverty.  
• We value using interpersonal expertise and knowing when to ask for help.  
• We value daily kindness and small actions for a big difference.  
• We value understanding and compassion.  
• We value willingness to strive to move forward.  
• We value inclusiveness.  
• We value the willingness to be open.  
• We value accessibility. (physical, mental, financial)  
• We value diversity, equity, and mutuality.  
• We value our responsibility to other members of the group.  
• We seek opportunities to raise up marginalized voices.  
• We value community and genuine human relationships.  
• We value dignity, self-determination, and radical self-love.  
• We value rest, relaxation, and joy. 

PLC members assert that the goal is the complete eradication of poverty. Within this goal, food, water, and healthcare would be free and accessible, not community privileges. Of course, there are many small successes to be reached along the way. Some of these include a radical change in perspective of individuals to be more mutual-aid oriented and to trust in one another to collectivize and make real change within their communities. To do that, PLC’s first and most tangible success will be raising awareness in our community on the realities of poverty. These realities include that poverty is a systemic problem, not one of individuals failing, and that in the U.S., we have the tools to make change but until we collectivize, we do not have adequate decision-making power. Aiding the cultural shift in perspective by creating awareness and empowering other groups to replicate this process is what success looks like.  

PLC members are people with lived experience of poverty who are passionate about social justice and committed to creating change.
As a member, you will:

• Build community with others who have lived experience,
• Organize events, actions, and campaigns,
• Advocate for systemic change rooted in justice, dignity, and joy.

To become a member, you must:

• Have past or current experience living in poverty,
• Care deeply about justice and ending poverty,
• Be able to work with people from all backgrounds,
• And be able to commit time for meetings, events, and organizing.

Interested in being a member? Complete our Member Interest form to let get started!

Not sure if your experience counts? Check Your Lived Experience to explore where your story fits.

Anyone can volunteer!

Whether you have a little time or a lot, your energy, skills, and support are welcome. Volunteers help us build a future rooted in justice, dignity, and joy.

Some of the ways you can get involved as a volunteer include:

• Helping staff, update, and set up displays for the Anti-Poverty Pop-Up Museum (APPUM)
• Social media management and content creation
• Spanish translation of social media posts and outreach materials
• Running errands and helping with logistics
• Staffing tables at events, canvassing, and community outreach
• Promoting and supporting PLC campaigns

Complete our Volunteer Interest Form to let us know you want to help end poverty!