Marion Matters has arranged for the “highly acclaimed and entertaining” Jodi Pfarr, a National Facilitator for Bridges Out of Poverty (BOP), to come to Marion to conduct two workshops on Monday, March 17, and Tuesday, March 18, 2014. There is no charge for the “Missed Appointments, Big Screen TVs, Tattoos, and No Job” workshops.
The BOP workshops provide insight into the inner workings of the world of poverty, including the cultural and economic barriers that prevent people from evolving out of poverty. Organizers say that businesses, service providers, professionals, schools, churches, organizations and individuals will find the workshop helpful with describing various strategies that can be adapted for removing these persistent, damaging obstacles that stand in the way of those who want to move into the middle class.
Marion Matters, a local “Bridges” movement that started in 2010, has arranged for Pfarr’s workshops to be offered at no charge to anyone who wants to attend, thanks to donations/support from community groups like Marion Municipal Court, Marion Community Foundation, United Way, Marion General Hospital, Marion Community Credit Union, and from MM memberships and individual donations. Executive Director Heidi Jones is fervently hoping for a large workshop turnout from community groups and individuals.
“The more people there are who are trained in Bridges information and concepts, the bigger the dent the community can make in reducing the devastating effects of what has become a sizable poverty population in Marion,” stated Jones.
On Monday, March 17 Pfarr will present, “Basic Bridges Training”, which she has presented a few times before in Marion. This session is designed mainly for those who have never attended a “Basic…” workshop and /or for those who would like to repeat the workshop as a refresher on the concentrated content of BOP training. Pfarr continually updates some portions of the “Basic…” workshop, keeping it current with the general socioeconomic environment.
Among the concepts that “Basic…” provides:
a mental model of poverty; how personal/social relationships are critical to survival in poverty;
how the “Tyranny of the Moment” dominates each day;
the hidden rules of survival for poverty and of achievement for the middle class;
how the styles (registers) of language differ between poverty and middle class, often complicating communications;
identifying the resources that are needed to achieve middle class status (and it’s not all about money).
The Tuesday, March 18 workshop, “Bridges Applications”, is designed for those who have already had the “Basics…” training. This session will offer information about:
learning how to create supportive relationships and mentoring;
developing mediation skills and strategies;
recognizing and studying barriers to change;
the stages of change that occur as one continues to advance out of poverty;
and nurturing motivation.
Marion Matters continues to seek volunteers for: serving as an Ally/Mentor for a Grad (graduate) from the Getting Ahead classes; Food Preparation for the Getting Ahead Classes and for the monthly meetings; providing transportation for those who want to take the Getting Ahead classes, and to attend the monthly support meetings – as well as transportation for other important meetings that will help with goal achievement efforts; Child Care for children of the Getting Ahead class participants and for the monthly meetings; being a Facilitator – volunteers are need to facilitate the Getting Ahead classes, usually helping to lead 14 – 18 classes with another Facilitator (training provided through a video series and from past facilitators).
Marion Matters also seeks individuals to purchase memberships which help finance supplies and educational materials for MM’s classes and support activities, as well as to demonstrate community support for Marion Matters, Inc., a membership-based organization. Members receive an annual newsletter with updates and a progress report. Dues-paying members are also eligible to sit on the MM Board of Directors. Membership forms and information will be available at the Bridges workshop.
The workshops, held at TRECA, 100 Executive Drive in Marion, run from 8:00am to 4:00pm on both days with lunch on your own from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Advanced registration is preferred so that sufficient handouts will be available for attendees. You can register online at bopmarch17-182014.eventbrite.com. If unable to register on-line, or for questions, contact Heidi Jones, Marion Matters Executive Director, at 740-223-2999.
CEU’s are available for $20 which is payable by cash or check the day of the event at registration.
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