Courageous Conversations: Social Safety Nets

Saturday, March 19, 2022 — 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Join us for an open, respectful conversation about Social Safety Nets. All backgrounds and viewpoints are welcome in the discussion. Each participant is asked to read this month’s articles on the topic prior to the discussion.

March 19, 2022

Events > Courageous Conversations: Social Safety Nets

When

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED
Saturday, March 19, 2022
10:30 am to 11:30 am
iCal / Google Calendar

Where

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library
234 Kensington Road
Berlin, CT

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Courageous Conversations is a small-group discussion series that will provide an opportunity for people of all backgrounds and viewpoints to discuss important local, cultural, social, and political issues in a safe environment where differing opinions, patient listening, and respectful discussion are welcomed as a necessary part of building connection with others and identifying shared values. Participants may be asked to read short articles, books, or listen to podcasts prior to the meetings and will be asked to abide by our shared discussion guidelines.

Library staff will facilitate the conversations and ensure that all participants have the opportunity to share in the discussion.

The event is in person and attendance space is limited; please remember to register.

March’s Topic is Social Safety Nets

Join us for an open, respectful discussion of Social Safety Nets—support systems that “catch” families and individuals as they fall into poverty but still encourage work. These systems include programs like Welfare, Medicaid, Universal Basic Incomes, cash transfers, social pensions, and school feeding programs.

All backgrounds and viewpoints are welcome in the discussion. Each participant is asked to read this month’s articles on the topic prior to the discussion.

Preparing for March’s Meeting

Prior to the health care conversation, please read this month’s articles. Printed copies are available at the Library.

Dispelling the Myth of Welfare Dependency
Article by Rema Hanna: Faculty Director, Evidence for Policy Design, Jeffrey Cheah Professor of South-East Asia Studies, Harvard Kennedy School

Life on Welfare Isn’t What Most People Think
Article by Tom Mould, Professor of Anthropology and Folklore, Butler University

Can Giving Parents Cash Help with Babies’ Brain Development?
Article by Dylan Matthews, Senior Correspondent, Vox

Optional Reading/Listening

Looking to dive deeper? These articles and podcasts are not required, but will give you more perspective on this month’s issue.

You may also choose to do further reading on your own. If you do so, keep these guidelines in mind:

Choose a reputable source
Check out the credentials of the author or publication and look for a fact-based article or book. Don’t waste time reading opinion pieces from someone who’s trying to rile you up.
Exit your echo chamber
Look for a thoughtful article or book from someone whose opinion differs from yours. Learn what the other side says and keep guideline #1 in mind when you choose this source.

How South Korea Experiments With Universal Basic Income
Video from Wall Street Journal

The U.S. Welfare System
Podcast from Pantsuit Politics

Families Coping without Earnings or Government Cash Assistance
Report from Assessing the New Federalism, An Urban Institute Program to Assess Changing Social Policies

Courageous Conversations Reads: Social Safety Nets
Further reading available at the Berlin-Peck Library.