Let's Talk Poverty – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with Jean Boulton, complexity scientist, author of The Dao of Complexity and Embracing Complexity, and thought leader on systems change. Together, they explore what it means to rethink how the world works, seeing systems as dynamic and relational. They talk about embracing uncertainty, using narrative and shared sense-making to co-create the future, and shifting from quick fixes to deeper systems change in addressing the root causes of challenges like poverty. 

Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with members of the Enough for All Lived Experience Network — a group of individuals who have personally experienced poverty in different ways. Together they discuss the need for a compassionate society, the lasting impacts of intergenerational experiences, and how listening to people's lived experiences can change how we see poverty and one another. Their diverse voices and perspectives deepen our understanding of poverty.  

At Vibrant Communities Calgary, centring these voices is essential to advancing the work of poverty reduction. These stories and insights are lived expertise, informing how we address the systems that keep poverty in place. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid speaks with Alex Sarian, CEO & President of Arts Commons, to explore how the arts can drive systems change, reduce barriers for patrons and artists, and foster civic dialogue.

Making Ends Meet is a work from creator Sage Cannon. This project was part of Sage's Master of Fine Arts research at the University of Calgary. Sage had the privilege of working with three young adults who opened themselves up to a creative process and told her their lived experiences of poverty. Sage also includes her own experiences of poverty throughout childhood and adulthood in this project, and the work has been a process of community coming together to share stories. These creations teach us about how people react and talk about poverty and ultimately how we don't talk about it enough. It shines a light on people's vulnerability and storytelling. As one participant said when asked what they wish others knew about poverty, "It's not always extremes, there is always someone closer to you than you think." The reality of people's day-to-day experiences is in sharp contrast to the possibilities our futures can hold.  

Vibrant Communities Calgary worked closely with Sage to bring these stories to you in different forms. Watch the animation and listen to the entire audio play – a collaboration with over 100 voices that are part of the Calgary community. While you listen, consider what actions you can take to build a future that has enough for everyone. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid connects with Lee Stevens, Policy and Research Specialist at VCC and Nick Falvo, a leading researcher on housing and homelessness to discuss the No Place To Go report, its findings and further actions that need to be taken to end homelessness in Calgary. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid connects with Leslie Hill, Executive Director of Discovery House, about the realities of support provided to those affected by domestic violence, the need for trauma-informed care and the importance of policy changes to provide long-term support and prevention. 

Resources 

• 24-Hour Violence Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, please call 403-234-7233. This helpline is available 24/7 with supportive professionals on the other end. 

• Learn more about the incredible work being done at Discovery House.

• Prosperity Project is a national project highlighting salary disparities in different sectors, including the social sector. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Lee Stevens connects with Jill Pable, a professor at Florida State University and creator of the non-profit, Design Resources for Homelessness, to discuss trauma informed design principles ofr homelessness. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Jaclyn Silbernagel connects with Dan Jones, a police-officer turned academic to discuss human-centered and trauma-informed practices in the criminal Justice system, the victim-offender overlap, and how evidence-based practice can reduce crime. 

Resources referenced in this episode:

Trauma Informed Lawyer podcast

I Am More Than My Criminal Record 

Targeting Domestic Abuse with Police Data

Peace and Good Order

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts 

Art of Racing in the Rain 

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Meaghon Reid connects with Dr. Richard Lewanczuk, Edmonton-based endocrinologist and Senior Medical Director of Health System Integration for Alberta Health Services to discuss loneliness and its impacts on health and well-being. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Lee Stevens connects with David MacDonald, senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, to discuss his recent report on CEO pay in Canada, taxation and income inequality.