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Get ready to join the fight against poverty on January 8 for War on Poverty Day! This day was first declared by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 as a part of his "Great Society" campaign, with the goal of reducing and ultimately eliminating poverty in the United States. It's a day to raise awareness about this ongoing issue and take action to help those in need. From volunteering at local shelters or food banks, to donating to charities that aid low-income families, there are many ways you can make a positive impact on this day. Let's come together and make a difference!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1964</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>War on Poverty Declared</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Lyndon B. Johnson declares "War on Poverty" in his State of the Union address on January 8.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1964</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Economic Opportunity Act Passed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 is signed into law, creating programs aimed at improving education and health services, and promoting better job opportunities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Medicare and Medicaid Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>Johnson signs into law Medicare and Medicaid, providing healthcare coverage for seniors and low-income individuals and families respectively.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Supplemental Security Income Created</div><div class='timeline-text'>Supplemental Security Income program is established to assist elderly, blind, and disabled individuals with little or no income.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Family Support Act Signed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Family Support Act is signed into law, introducing job training and placement services to help families leave the welfare system.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Welfare Reform Act Enacted</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act is signed, overhauling the U.S. welfare system with an emphasis on work requirements.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day volunteering at a local charity that works towards alleviating poverty. Not only will you be making a difference, but you'll also learn more about the issue and how you can help.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to educate yourself and others about the issue of poverty, its causes, and potential solutions. Host a discussion or informational session with friends or family to raise awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to organizations fighting poverty</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research and donate to organizations that are dedicated to fighting poverty. Every little bit helps and your donation could make a big impact in someone's life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and host a fundraiser to raise money for organizations fighting poverty. You could have a bake sale, car wash, or even a charity auction to help make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a soup kitchen</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day volunteering at a local soup kitchen and help provide meals to those in need. This is a great way to directly impact and support those affected by poverty in your community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings awareness to a pressing issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>War on Poverty Day is an important reminder that poverty is still a prevalent issue in our society. It helps to bring attention to the struggles faced by those living in poverty and encourages people to take action towards creating change.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes empathy and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day also serves as a reminder to practice empathy and understanding towards those experiencing poverty. It encourages individuals to educate themselves on the issue and show compassion towards those in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It sparks action for change</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through advocating and raising awareness on War on Poverty Day, people are inspired to take action towards creating solutions for poverty. This includes supporting causes, volunteering, or speaking out about the issue.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The War on Poverty Began in the 1960s</h3><p class='facts-content'>Initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in his State of the Union address in 1964, the War on Poverty aimed to eliminate poverty in the United States.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It Led to Establishment of Several Key Programs</h3><p class='facts-content'>The War on Poverty led to the creation of programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, the Food Stamp Program (now SNAP), and Head Start, which have helped millions of Americans.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Poverty Rate Declined in the Early Years</h3><p class='facts-content'>From 1964 to 1973, the U.S. poverty rate fell from 19% to 11.1%, reflecting the initial success of the policies enacted during the War on Poverty.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Progress Slowed Down in Later Years</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite early progress, the decline in poverty stalled in later years. Many argue that more needs to be done to address systemic issues that contribute to poverty.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The War on Poverty Continues Today</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although the original War on Poverty officially ended in the 1970s, the fight against poverty continues today with policies aimed at increasing access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and livable wages.</p></div></div>
War on Poverty Day is celebrated on January 8th every year. In 2024 War on Poverty Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Jan 8
Sunday
2024
Jan 8
Monday
2025
Jan 8
Wednesday
2026
Jan 8
Thursday
2027
Jan 8
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