On Tuesday, May 10, End Poverty in California (EPIC), a new anti-poverty initiative launched by Michael Tubbs, brought its statewide
poverty listening tour to Norco College, joining Dr. Monica Green, President of Norco
College, and a group of students to highlight how policy choices in California create
poverty, and to lift up the insights, experiences, and ideas of people living in poverty.
“For generations, our government, the media, and society as a whole has largely ignored people living in poverty – their experiences, strengths, needs, and ideas – and that has to change,” said Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton. “California is the richest state in the richest country in the history of the world, but according to the Census Bureau has the highest poverty rate in America when accounting for the cost of living. One in three Californians cannot meet their basic needs.”
EPIC was thrilled to partner with Norco College President, Dr. Monica Green, who has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that Norco College students have access to basic needs. In her words, “Norco College was elated to host such a needed and critical discussion. I am grateful our students have a platform to provide insight and solutions to eradicating poverty. I want students to know that their expertise, ideas, and opinions are valued in all aspects of Norco College life, and I look forward to ways we can help.”
During the listening tour over 30 students shared their experiences, and gave valuable insights to ways Norco College and the state of California could better help students. Many students also shared the good things they felt Norco College does for students and gave several kudos to Norco College employees. One student noted, "If it were not for Norco College staff, I am not sure where I would be."
To hear some of their stories, watch the highlights below.
“For generations, our government, the media, and society as a whole has largely ignored people living in poverty – their experiences, strengths, needs, and ideas – and that has to change,” said Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton. “California is the richest state in the richest country in the history of the world, but according to the Census Bureau has the highest poverty rate in America when accounting for the cost of living. One in three Californians cannot meet their basic needs.”
EPIC was thrilled to partner with Norco College President, Dr. Monica Green, who has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that Norco College students have access to basic needs. In her words, “Norco College was elated to host such a needed and critical discussion. I am grateful our students have a platform to provide insight and solutions to eradicating poverty. I want students to know that their expertise, ideas, and opinions are valued in all aspects of Norco College life, and I look forward to ways we can help.”
During the listening tour over 30 students shared their experiences, and gave valuable insights to ways Norco College and the state of California could better help students. Many students also shared the good things they felt Norco College does for students and gave several kudos to Norco College employees. One student noted, "If it were not for Norco College staff, I am not sure where I would be."
To hear some of their stories, watch the highlights below.