2008 National Agenda

Shriver Center 2008 National Agenda: 12 Ways to Lead the Change

It’s an exciting time in our nation. The new leadership of the 110th Congress offers opportunities to promote action. The presidential election season is an occasion to advance the battle against poverty on the national agenda and candidates are responding to the call for economic justice. Additionally, states are ahead of the national curve in passing large-scale health care initiatives, minimum-wage increases, and other antipoverty measures.

At this time of renewed promise in the fight against poverty, we put forth twelve ways to lead the change.  For each policy idea, we cite opportunities for action that all antipoverty advocates can take on both the federal and state levels in 2008.  Now is the time to renew our energy in seeking out paths of justice to break through institutional barriers to economic success and lead the way out of the State of Poverty. 

To view the entire National Agenda, click here.

1.     Strengthen the Legal Foundation for Civil Rights and Racial Justice
2.     Establish Affordable Quality Health Care for All
3.     Guarantee Economic Safety for People with Employment Challenges
4.     Invest in the Public Good Through Fair Budget and Tax Policies
5.     Preserve our Nation's Rental Housing
6.     Create Redemptive Opportunities for People with Criminal Records
7.     Increase Economic Mobility Through Lifelong Education
8.     Link Economic Development to Workforce Development Opportunities
9.     Advance Low-Wage Workers by Making Work Pay
10.   Build and Protect Assets for Financial Stability and Growth
11.   Protect Access to the American Dream for Immigrants and Refugees
12.   Ensure Economic Opportunity and Safety for Women and Girls