Calgary Social Voice

Sharing ideas on social issues in and around Calgary.

Poverty Matters: Lucy’s blog

June 12, 2012 · Posted In: Poverty
Poverty Matters: Lucy's Blog

“My humanity is not defined by my income”

- Discussion Series Participant, 2011

“My humanity is not defined by my income,” are such powerful words that that reach across all socio-economic and demographic groups.  My video blog speaks to those very words and the incredible report, From getting by to getting ahead: Six levers for building the well-being of families with lower incomes, which captures the very essence of the quote above.  Check out my video blog:

Now, let me ask you: Does a person’s income define their humanity?  Does it really matter where a person lives or what job they have?

To learn more about poverty and families living on lower incomes, check out United Way of Calgary and Area’s recently released report: From getting by to getting ahead.

  • Lucy Miller

    It was wonderful to see a standing room only crowd show up to hear how we can work together to maximize the potential of all Calgarians!  Imagine a city where we have tapped into the underutilized resources of our citizens.  We can do this!   

  • Steph

    So excited to see Lucy’s blog! I hope it becomes a series. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Lucy.

    • United Way of Calgary and Area

      It is a great blog indeed.  Steph, what are your thoughts on Lucy’s message?  Do you agree with the quote: “My humanity is not defined by my income?”

      • Steph

        Hi 100% agree with this… it reminds me of a part poem often quoted by John Merrick.

        …If I could reach from pole to pole, Or grasp the ocean with a span,I would be measured by the soul,The mind’s the measure of the man.

        • United Way of Calgary and Area

          Wonderful. Thank you for sharing these inspirational word with us!

  • Jo

    Wow… what an incredibly powerful quote!  Personally, I feel like the last thing that should matter is someone’s income.  A car, a job, a house are not things that define us.  Who we are at the very core is what defines us.  My parents grew up in poverty and worked extremely hard to give their kids (such as myself) a better life and taugh us that however successful we are, we need to stay true to ourselves and so this is why, the quote, “My humanity is not defined by my income,” resonates so closely to me.  Absolutely powerful.

  • janicei

    Strong powerful quote. I also like Suze Orman’s quote “people first, then money, then things. If we could all just stay grounded in getting to know people for who they are not what they represent, I think we’d all feel more connected to each other.