What is Getting Ahead (in a Just-Gettin’ by World)?
“Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World,” an innovative workshop series, built from the “Bridges out of Poverty” framework and ideas of Dr. Ruby Payne on the hidden rules of economic class, and the subsequent applications of those principles in two books by Philip DeVol (Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities and Bridges to Sustainable Communities: A system wide, cradle-to-grave approach to ending poverty in America).
It can help by providing those living in poverty with a safe environment in which to step outside of the problems of everyday life … and look to the future. In this 15-to-20-week course, groups of about 8 to 12 participants—called investigators—come together, along with one or two trained facilitators, to investigate the explore the impact of poverty in their own lives and in their communities. Getting Ahead provides the tools to encourage investigators to write their own future story, and come to grips with the environmental, circumstantial, and psychological challenges they face, along with the resources they have – or lack.
This program includes ten modules: My Life Now; Theory of Change; Rich/Poor Gap & Research on Causes of Poverty; Hidden Rules of Economic Class; The Importance of Language; Eleven Resources; Self-Assessment of Resources; Community Resources; Building Resources; and Personal & Community Plans. The program shows how to use the “Hidden Rules” to build up financial, emotional, social, and other resources.