Group XI (2004-2006) News

Regional Seminar, Arkansas, September 17-23, 2005
Race, Poverty & K-12 Education

by Dave Visser, Group XI Participant, Elcho

What? So What? Now What?

What?.What was the experience? So What? Why does it matter? Now What? What do I do with what I learned? These questions were repeatedly asked of Group XI as they explored Race, Poverty, and K-12 Education in Arkansas, location of the Group XI Regional Seminar from September 17-23. From urban Little Rock to the rural cotton fields of Eastern Arkansas’ delta region, Group XI stepped out of their comfort zone, opened their hearts, and tackled some tough issues. Once again the WRLP provided a packed schedule of speakers and experiences for the group. We met and were hosted by several LeadAR (Arkansas Agricultural and Rural Leadership Program) graduates and current participants.  Following is just one participant’s highlights and reflections on the week.

What? A visit to Central High and Museum in Little Rock, location of the forced integration riots in the early 1960’s, provided insight to the history of race relations in the area. When asked if any of the white students from the time ever return to the museum, our tour guide stated that some former students of Central High at the time of the riots have returned and say that they regret what they did…which was to stand by and do nothing.  So What?  In what ways am I standing by and doing nothing in respects to racism and social injustice in my community?

What? Exploration of key points about poverty using Dr. Ruby Payne’s A Framework for Understanding Poverty gave the group tools to understanding attitudes, thought processes, and reasons for types of poverty. So What? How do I judge people with whom I interact? What incorrect beliefs do I have about poverty that perpetuates the problem of poverty for families in my community? What “hidden rules” to middle class do I unknowingly keep hidden to those I serve to keep them in a lower class?

What? Visits to two schools in the delta region: a public junior high and a KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) school.  Each school was very different.  At Forrest City Junior High we met an incredibly dedicated panel of staff from all sections of K-12 education and the community. We learned of the benefits and challenges the “No Child Left Behind” Act as it affects this poor area where up to 90% of the children are on the free or reduced lunch program. We heard from the state “Teacher-of-the-Year” and were touched by her love for and commitment to her students.  At the KIPP school we experienced an amazing group of students in this innovative, highly structured school which works on a reward system for behavior and performance. The purpose of this alternative school is to help children from the extreme poor in the Helena-West Helena area have a leg up on escaping generational poverty that plagues the region. The group had mixed reactions on this approach to education and lively debate ensued…and will continue.  So What? Is there an ideal way to tackle the poverty issue in our youth?  Is race involved in the poverty that was experienced?  Is it the public school’s responsibility to combat the poverty issues by adding programs or should we expect parents to pull up their boot straps and make a better life for their kids?

What? A visit to a health care clinic and the Boys Girls Adult Community Development Center in the city of Marvell.  Here the group saw how citizens are brought together to serve the poor in this depressed community.  The health care facility, which provides medical, dental, mental health and pharmacy, was partially the result of the city Mayor’s involvement in the LeadAR program.  The Community Center serves everyone from teen moms to the elderly of this declining area.  With 68% of the population on public assistance, average annual incomes at $11000, and the population of the area dropping in half over the last 30 years, providing services in the county has been a serious issue. To compound the problem, increased technology in the agriculture sector has eliminated many manual jobs which were the major source of income for the population.  Doctors, other health care providers, teachers, and other professionals have fled the area and have left the poor behind.  So What? What could have been done to reduce the population decline?  How do you retain your middle class/professional population?  Is technology affecting my community in a similar way?

What? Home stays with former LeadAR graduates. Each Group XI participant was given a view of the everyday Arkansan, and each had a different experience.  My experience was of a man who served his country in the military and returned to his home town to continue a long family history in the area.  Working in a few different capacities from realty agent to timber sales, my host was a regular person just trying to do the best he can for his family, dealing with everyday things:  Concerns with tornado damage in his town, hiring a new office employee, worrying whether some of his equipment will be underwater with the upcoming rains from Hurricane Rita or if his plantation roads will be washed away. He also has joys in life with the four dogs that won’t leave his side, an upcoming wedding of his only daughter, enjoying his new office, and discovering a newborn calf in his field during a quick tour of what he calls “The Kingdom”. So What? Arkansas, just like Wisconsin, is full of people living day-to-day enjoying life the same way and dealing with many of the same issues, just with an accent!

Now What? This was the ultimate question of the experience.  How has this experience impacted our lives and how will that impact translate into action in my community and the communities of my co-participants? How will our expanded understanding of race, poverty and the link with education change our thinking? Time will tell and it will be different for each participant. A goal of Sarah Halstead, seminar co-chair was reached: We left Arkansas with more questions than we arrived with.  But, we have more information and more experience from which to draw when working to positively impact our communities as a result of the seminar.

Co-Chairing this seminar was Sarah Halstead, Executive Director, Family Resource Centers of Portage County and Group X alumnus and Joseph Waldrum, Professor, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension and Director, LeadAR.

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