As a busy and overwhelmed college student, I decided that I could take three hours out of my ""hectic"" schedule to attend a screening of the documentary ""A Powerful Noise."" Shown on March 5th at theaters across the nation, this film highlights the lives of three women working to enact change in their poverty-stricken communities. Hailing from Bosnia, Mali, and Vietnam, the documented women are especially concerned with the disproportionate effects of poverty on women and children.
Due to having many of their rights denied, women are in fact more vulnerable to poverty. However, there is no denying that these hardships occur among all people in all nations. Even here in America, where we feel responsible to help severely impoverished foreign nations, hunger and homelessness are undying issues. In Madison alone, roughly 3,500 people are considered homeless. While startling, figures like that can overwhelm and create a sense of helplessness among concerned individuals. In fact, as I watched ""A Powerful Noise"" I found myself feeling guilty and constantly wondering how, if at all, I could help.
Featured at the end of the film, a panel of speakers (including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and actress Natalie Portman) offered answers to difficult questions regarding poverty and how the average person can help. The panelists attested to the (often unutilized) political power of the American people. Whether you support the global fight against poverty or are more concerned with homelessness at the local level, panelists urged viewers to call, write and meet with legislators and politicians. Living in Madison, we have tremendous access to city and government officials. Most importantly, as Madison and Dane Country residents, we have great reason to contact these people; despite the devastating economic conditions, city and county officials have done almost nothing in the past year to help the area's homeless. Just as the panelists of ""A Powerful Noise"" called for people to speak out, I urge you to take advantage of your rights as an American citizen and contact your local government officials.
However, even the most concerned of citizens may find this call to action intimidating. But as the old saying goes, one can always find ""strength in numbers."" At WISPIRG's Hunger and Homelessness campaign, we not only provide this ""strength in numbers"" mentality, but we also offer several opportunities in which students can partake in letter writing campaigns, petitioning and lobbying decision makers. So if you're interested in taking an active role in combating poverty at the local, national or global level, visit our website at www.wispirgstudents.org/madison or contact me at jshauser@wisc.edu. Despite the demands of college life, I think we'd all agree that every one of us can afford to help those in need beyond next week's midterm.
Jackie Hauser is a sophomore who is currently undeclared. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com..
