IMSPARK ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) - (VIDEO)

👪 Welcome to IMSPARK! Explore the paradigm shift in Hawai'i's families with "ALICE Without Malice." 👪 (VIDEO)

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Picture a Hawai'i where ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families break free from financial constraints, creating a brighter and more equitable future for all.

📚 Source:

Dive into this enlightening episode based on a July 2023 article from Hawaii Business Magazine, exploring the struggles of Hawai'i's middle class and the nonprofits aiding their financial stability.

💥 What's the Big Deal:

In a state notorious for its high cost of living and where 44% of residents struggle to meet basic needs, Hawai'i's ALICE population is forging innovative paths to overcome economic challenges. Witness stories of resilience, creativity, and community support as individuals defy the odds to achieve homeownership, entrepreneurs turn trash into treasures, and families navigate adversity to secure a better future. Even in paradise, living paycheck to paycheck can be daunting. Experience their journey through the impact of COVID-19, igniting their passion to advocate for systemic change, including affordable childcare, paid family leave, and higher minimum wages, all driven by the power of community solutions.

🌱 #ALICE #EconomicMobility #GenerationalPoverty #WealthEquity #InclusiveLiving #CostOfLiving #IMSPARK 🏡

👶 IMSPARK: Pacific Children's Financial Headstart 👶

 👶 Imagine Pacific Children's Financial Headstart 👶

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Where every child, regardless of their background, starts their life with a financial headstart. They have dedicated accounts supporting their education and future dreams.

📚 Source:

Smith, J. (2023). "Empowering Pacific Youth: Lessons from the My Alfond Grant Program." Pacific Education Journal, 45(3), 123-145.

🔗 Link:

https://openscholarship.wustl.edu

💥 What's the Big Deal:

Providing financial support and opportunities for Pacific children, similar to the My Alfond Grant program in Maine, can transform lives and communities. 💰 It's an investment in the future, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background. 🛠️The lessons from the My Alfond Grant program can serve as a 📝 valuable blueprint for implementing similar initiatives in the Pacific region. 🐟 This can lead to increased educational attainment, reduced economic disparities, and a more prosperous future.

#headstart,#EconomicMobility,#GenerationalPoverty,#ChildPovertyData,#IMSPARK,

 

👪 IMSPARK:ALICE Without Malice: Changing the Paradigm for Hawai'i's Families 👪

 

👪 Imagine…ALICE Without Malice: Changing the Paradigm for Hawai'i's Families 👪

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

Imagine a Hawai'i where ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families are empowered to break free from financial constraints, leading to a brighter and more equitable future for all.

 📚 Source:

Yu, L. (2023, July 31). Living Paycheck to Paycheck Can Be Scary: How Nonprofits Help Hawai‘i’s Struggling Middle Class Gain Financial Stability. Hawaii Business Magazine, August 2023.

 🔗 Link:

  Read the full article

 💥 What's the Big Deal:

In a state known for its high cost of living, where 44% of residents struggle to afford basic necessities, Hawai'i's ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population is finding innovative ways to rise above economic challenges. This is the story of resilience, resourcefulness, and community support. 🏡 Envision someone who defied the odds to realize his dream of homeownership in Hawai'i, a place where high costs can be a barrier to owning a home. His story is a testament to determination and breaking the cycle of financial instability for future generations.🌱 Visualize entrepreneurs turning trash into treasure through sustainable businesses like Upcycle Hawai'i. 👪 Envision resilience, as families embodying the struggles of working parents in Hawai'i. With family members facing resilient health challenges and high living costs, they navigate adversity to secure a better future, proving that even in paradise, living paycheck to paycheck can be scary.🌍 Imagine their experience with COVID-19 while pregnant igniting their passion for advocating for systemic change. As a parent leader, she's part of a movement pushing for affordable childcare, paid family leave, and higher minimum wages, emphasizing the power of community-driven solutions.

#ALICE,#EconomicMobility,#GenerationalPoverty,#WealthEquity,#InclusiveLiving,  #CostOfLiving,#IMSPARK, 

🧒IMSPARK: Imagine….Baby Bonds as a Means to Counter Child Poverty🧒

 

🧒 Imagine….Baby Bonds as a Means to Counter Child Poverty🧒

💡Imagined Endstate:

Baby Bonds, a proposed policy for government-funded savings accounts for children under 18, has the potential to serve as a strategic method to close the racial wealth gap in the United States.

🔗 Link:

Morningstar PDF Document

📚Source:

Mitchell, L., & Szapiro, A. (2020, September). Baby Bonds: A Path to Racial Equity? Morningstar Policy Research. 📊

💥What's the Big Deal:

💰 This policy proposes a program that could promote economic mobility for lower-income families and reduce child poverty. This policy proposal analyzes the impact of Baby Bonds on the racial wealth gap using data from the Panel Survey of Income Dynamics. It reveals that Baby Bonds could significantly reduce the gap in total wealth by one-fourth and by two-thirds when excluding home equity. 💼To enhance equity and efficiency, the authors suggest supplemental payments for older children, investment options, and integration with college savings plans. 🌟Baby bond legislation has passed in California, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C. Another eight states have introduced legislation, including Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, Washington, Delaware, Nevada, and Massachusetts. The American Opportunity Accounts Act is a bill that proposes to establish tax-exempt savings accounts for American children under 18, funded by the federal government and available for specified purposes. 

#BabyBonds, #EconomicMobility, #WealthEquity, #ChildPovertyData, #Inclusion, #GenerationalPoverty,  🌈

IMOA: That’s Fine for Waipahu: Gentrifications rears its ugly head

 Imagine Pacific Original Article (IMOA)

Title: That’s Fine for Waipahu: Gentrifications rears its ugly head

By James E. Faumuina

7/19/2023

The decision to close two major grocery stores in Waipahu town conveniently in front of two rail stations may have been made by the Honolulu City Council with a sense of indifference[1]. Maybe they believed the community would not complain, given their prior endurance of the rail construction and acceptance of issues like exposure to Heptachlor from the plantation. The closure of the remaining affordable sources of food in the town feels like yet another blow to a community raised on the belief that the company store would provide. It is almost as if they assumed the people of Waipahu were accustomed to such treatment.

Perhaps the council and developers believed that since Waipahu's poverty rate hovers around 9.5%, dangerously close to the worst quadrant of poverty according to the US Census, any gesture resembling economic development would be appreciated by the community[2]. It may not be arrogance, but rather a well-intentioned attempt to offer a helping hand. However, this raises an important question: Is this gesture truly a hand extended in support, or is it the developers raising their palms in a stopping motion?

If we accept the notion that these changes are for the community's own good, then the lack of Section 8 housing, the homelessness around Hans L'orange Park, and the infamous stories about Pupu streets may all resurface with renewed vigor under the guise of community development. My concern is the promised growth and economic revival unfortunately will begin with literal sweeping changes being made starting with the current residents being replaced.

I am intimately familiar with the area. My family moved there in 1982, and we were among the first to settle in Village Park (then Herbert Horita) Homes. Waipahu holds formative memories for me, from attending Saint Joseph's church to shopping at the Old Safeway, and even working at Blockbusters. I eventually was hired by the Leeward YMCA, as its Executive Director during the renovation of the old Sugarmill. While others may claim deeper roots, anyone from Waipahu shares a common bond with its unique sense of place, whether it's shopping at the Old Arakawa's or having breakfast at Rocky's.

In "Poverty in America," Matthew Desmond asked: "Who really benefits?" It is true, in Waipahu, some people live in poverty. Unfortunately, society holds beliefs about those in poverty, assuming laziness or lack of motivation. We tend to believe that being poor is a choice, contrasting it with success as if it were easily attainable for everyone. However, the reality is that anyone can spiral into poverty due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, family deaths, accidents, lost businesses, missed paychecks, or even a DUI. No community is immune, but Waipahu has its share of challenges.

It takes sober eyes to recognize that "affordable" housing alone cannot be seen as a solution to ending poverty and perpetuating community development. There must be compensatory measures and community trade-offs in place, ensuring that when something is taken away, something of equal or greater value is given in return. The current messaging and proposed alternatives feel unbalanced. Unless you are among the "benefiting" group mentioned by Desmond, congratulations, I guess you are getting what you wanted.

The rail was offered to improve the quality of life for residents. However, it’s apparent we must be on guard against developments that create gentrification, with development at the expense of displacing residents or removing community assets without providing suitable replacements. If the council is genuinely committed to Waipahu’s development, they must prioritize and consider who will truly benefit from this proposal.

Key Words: #gentrification, #SocialJustice, #FoodSecurity, FoodDesert, #GenerationalPoverty,

---

[1] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/06/23/2-popular-grocery-stores-waipahu-preparing-close-their-doors/

2] https://www.hawaiihealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=240&periodId=9907&localeId=160463

 

🌍IMSPARK: Imagine Inclusive and Equitable CDFIs 🌍

 🌍IMSPARK: Imagine Inclusive and Equitable CDFIs 🌍

Imagined Endstate:               

                                                    Imagine a future where Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating inclusive finance that uplifts and empowers marginalized communities. 💼

Link:                                        

                                                            ·        CDFI Playbook: CDFI Playbook 🔗

                                                            ·        CDFI DEI Panel Slides: CDFI DEI Panel Slides 🔗

Source:

                                                            ·        Prosperity Now. (2023). CDFI Playbook. 📚

                                                            ·        Community Development Financial Institutions (2022). 

                                                        CDFI DEI Panel Slides. 📚

What's the Big Deal:

• 🏝️ Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are dedicated to serving and empowering marginalized communities, especially in areas of the Pacific that lack access to major financial institutions. These underserved communities often face significant barriers to accessing affordable financial products and services, hindering their economic growth and potential. 

• 🌊CDFIs can become instrumental in fostering positive social change in the Pacific. They can bridge the financial gaps by providing crucial financial resources such as affordable housing financing, small business loans, and community development investments. 

• 🏘️Through CDFIs' targeted approach and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, underserved Pacific communities can gain access to capital and financial education. This empowers them to participate actively in the economy, boost local businesses, and create sustainable livelihoods. CDFIs serve as a catalyst for change, transforming undercapitalized areas in the Pacific into thriving, prosperous, and inclusive communities. 💪 

#CDFI,#Inclusion,#SocialJustice,#WealthEquity,#GenerationalPoverty,#startupcapital,#BridgingTheGap

🌟 IMEA: Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children 🌏

 🌟 IMEA: Improving the Economic Outlook of Pacific Island Children 🌏

This Imagine Pacific Envisioned Analysis focuses on improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children by addressing the high cost of childcare and preschool, introducing the concept of Baby Bonds, recognizing economic disparities within the AAPI community, and working towards ending childhood poverty.

💭 Imagine... A Brighter Future for Pacific Island Children's Economic Well-being

🔹1️⃣ Imagined Endstate:

Imagine a future where Pacific Island children have improved economic opportunities, broke the cycle of poverty and paving the way for their long-term success and prosperity.

🔹2️⃣ Links:

·        Hawaii's ranking in child economic well-being

·        Learn more about Baby Bonds and their potential impact

·        Understanding economic disparities within the AAPI community

·        IMSPARK: Imagine Economic Disaggregation

·        IMSPARK: Imagine Ending Childhood Poverty     

·        IMSPARK: Imagine Baby Bonds

🔹3️⃣ Sources:

·        Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2023).

·        Prosperity Now. (n.d.). Baby Bonds.

·        Banerjee, A. (2022, June 7). Understanding economic disparities within the AAPI community.

·        Imagine Pacific Pulse. (2023, July 6). IMSPARK: Imagine Economic Disaggregation.

·        Imagine Pacific Pulse. (2023, June 29). IMSPARK Ending Childhood Poverty!

·        Imagine Pacific Pulse. (2023, June 28). IMSPARK: Baby Bonds.

·        Mishel, L., & Gould, E. (2021). Broad for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Population Don't Tell the Whole Economic Story. Economic Policy Institute.

🔹4️⃣ Consider This:

Pacific Island children face economic challenges that impact their well-being and future opportunities. The high cost of childcare and preschool in Hawaii has led to a decline in economic well-being, placing financial strain on families and limiting access to quality care. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Hawaii ranks 44th in the nation for child economic well-being. To address this issue, the Ready Keiki preschool initiative aims to provide affordable preschool options for all 3- and 4-year-olds, reducing the burden on families and promoting equal access to early education.

Additionally, the concept of Baby Bonds, as highlighted by Prosperity Now, offers a transformative approach to address wealth inequality and provide equal opportunities for all children. By providing each child with an initial endowment at birth, Baby Bonds aim to create a more equitable society, enable asset accumulation, and remove barriers that hinder economic mobility. This innovative idea has the potential to break the cycle of generational poverty, particularly in areas with high rates of child poverty like the Pacific region.

Understanding economic disparities within the Asian-American, Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is crucial for developing effective solutions. Banerjee's research highlights the importance of disaggregating data and recognizing regional variations to tailor policy solutions that bridge the economic gap and promote prosperity and inclusion. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the specific economic circumstances and needs of each AAPI subgroup, policymakers can develop targeted strategies that address their unique challenges and promote greater economic well-being.

Moreover, ending childhood poverty is a paramount goal. The Economic Policy Institute's study, conducted by Mishel and Gould, emphasizes the need to address child poverty within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) population. By ensuring access to basic needs, educational opportunities, and fair chances for every child to thrive, we can create a society that uplifts and supports the well-being of all children.

🌍 Impact on Pacific:

Improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children has far-reaching benefits for the entire region. It promotes social justice, empowers families to thrive economically, and creates a stronger foundation for future generations. Affordable childcare and preschool options ensure that children have access to quality early education, setting them on a path to success. Implementing initiatives like Baby Bonds addresses wealth inequality and promotes asset accumulation, enabling children to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term financial stability. By addressing economic disparities within the AAPI community, we create a more inclusive society where all subgroups have equal opportunities for economic growth and well-being.

The economic well-being of Pacific Island children holds the key to unlocking the region's prosperous future. Their health, safety, and overall development are not only fundamental rights but also the building blocks of a thriving Pacific community. By ensuring equitable access to quality education, affordable child care, and opportunities for economic growth, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

The fate of the Pacific is intrinsically tied to the well-being of its children. They are the torchbearers of cultural heritage, the seeds of innovation, and the embodiment of resilience. Investing in their future is an investment in the future of the entire region. When we nurture their talents, provide them with the tools to succeed, and create an environment that fosters their growth, we sow the seeds of a prosperous Pacific.

📊 QR Reader Survey:

We invite readers to participate in our QR Reader Survey to share their insights and experiences related to the economic well-being of Pacific Island children. Your valuable input will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and help shape actionable solutions.

📢 Call to Action:

1.    Leave a Comment: Feel free to leave a comment on the Imagine Pacific Pulse blog to share your thoughts, ideas, and support for improving the economic outlook of Pacific Island children.

2.      Write a Letter: Consider writing a letter to your local newspaper, such as the Star Advertiser in Hawaii, expressing your concerns and raising awareness about the importance of addressing economic disparities and ensuring equal opportunities for children in the Pacific.

3.      Participate in the QR Survey: Your valuable insights and experiences are crucial in shaping our understanding of children's economic welfare in the Pacific. Please take a few minutes to answer the QR survey included in the IMEA. Your responses will contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential solutions.

4.      Explore Imagine Pacific's YouTube Channel: Tune into the Imagine Pacific YouTube channel for more in-depth discussions, interviews, and videos on the issue of economic well-being for Pacific Island children. Gain further insights, learn about inspiring initiatives, and join the conversation to drive positive change

🤝 Conclusion:

Opportunity besieges the fortune of healthy, safe, and empowered children. Their potential knows no bounds, and it is our collective responsibility to nurture their dreams, unlock their potential, and remove any barriers that stand in their way. The Pacific's progress and resilience rest upon their shoulders.

The journey towards a prosperous Pacific begins with our children. Let us work hand in hand, across nations, cultures, and backgrounds, to provide them with the foundation they deserve. As we nurture their potential, we ensure the enduring success of the Pacific and leave a legacy of hope, resilience, and shared prosperity for generations to come. Together, let us forge a future where the destiny of the Pacific is interwoven with the dreams and aspirations of its children.

#BabyBonds,#BridgingTheGap,#BuildingAssets,#Economics,#EndChildhoodPoverty,#GenerationalPoverty,#IMEA,#PacificIslands,#SocialJustice,#WealthEquity,

🌟 IMSPARK: Baby Bonds🌟

🌍 Imagine... Building Assets from Birth!

1. 🌐 Imagined Endstate: Imagine a future where every child has the opportunity to build assets, break the cycle of poverty, and achieve financial stability throughout their lives. The concept of Baby Bonds, an innovative idea, lays the foundation for empowering children from birth to create a path towards a prosperous future.
2. 🔗 Link: Learn more about Baby Bonds and their potential impact ➡️ https://prosperitynow.org/baby-bonds
3. 📚 Source: Prosperity Now. (n.d.). Baby Bonds.

📚 Ref: Faumuina, J. (2023, June 24). IMSPARK: Economic Well-being for Hawaii's Children!

4. 💡 What's the Big Deal: Baby Bonds have the transformative potential to address wealth inequality and provide equal opportunities for all. Providing each child with an initial endowment at birth can create a more equitable society, enable asset accumulation, and remove barriers that hinder economic mobility. This groundbreaking approach has the potential to impact the cycle of generational poverty in areas with high rates of child poverty like the Pacific region, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.🌟👶💙

Key Terms:

#ImaginePacific

#BuildingAssets

#BabyBonds

#GenerationalPoverty

#WealthEquity

🌟 Welcome to Imagine Pacific! 🌊 (Video)

 🌟 Welcome to Imagine Pacific! 🌊

🔹 Join us as we explore and promote #SocialJustice, #DigitalEquity, #GenerationalPoverty, #VeteranAdvocacy, and the use of #TechnologyForChange to empower marginalized communities, with a special focus on the #PacificRegion. 🌍

🎙️ Discover insightful posts, engaging podcasts, inspiring interviews, and impactful stories that shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by people in the Pacific. We'll delve into the unique issues experienced by #PacificIslanders, delve into #DisabilityStudies and advocacy, discuss #WealthMobility and asset development for the poor, and much more. 🌺

👥 Whether you're a student, teacher, researcher, policy maker, or concerned citizen, you'll find something valuable and inspiring here. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. 🤝💙

🔗 Stay connected and explore our content: imagine-pacific.com

🔖 Don't forget to use these hashtags to join the conversation: #ImaginePacific #InclusionMatters #EquitableSociety #PositiveChange #CommunityAction

🌟 Let's imagine a better Pacific for everyone! 🌏💫

#ImaginePacific,#SocialJustice,#DigitalEquity,#GenerationalPoverty, #VeteranAdvocacy, #Technology,#PacificRegion, #PacificIslanders, #DisabilityStudies, #WealthMobility,#Inclusion

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