STEP UP SAVANNAH INC

Step up provides resources to build capacity in other community groups and non-profits to combat poverity. Neighborhood leadership academy (nla): nla is a 12-week program offered by step up every year, typically in september, held at savannah state university. Nla engages established and emerging leaders from diverse segments of the community to enhance their leadership skills with a focus on advocacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Americorps vista (vista): americorps vista is a national program designed reduce and combat poverty by recruiting members to build capacity in organizations and communities. Americorps vista commit one year of service and live on a stipend that is equivalent to the federal poverty wage. Step up acts as an intermediary for americorps vista, currently managing 10 vista sites and 10 vista members (including regular revolving recruitment) to help build capacity at these partner agencies.

Poverty is caused by more than a lack of income or better managing personal resources; getting to the root causes means working to change systems that keep people drowning in debt or prevent them from accessing the tools they need to move themselves out of poverty and better position themselves to succeed. Step up identifies local policies and procedures that can be reformed based upon information and feedback from those directly receiving and providing services. Board members consider issues brought to it by action teams and committees after review and research. Through a process of education and debate, board members vote to address specific policy issues and, with technical support from staff, act as the primary advocates for reform. Major policy areas include affordable housing and predatory lending. Step up also conducts "poverty simulations" which educate the community to the issues encountered by low income individuals and families in their struggle to improve their living conditions.