THE ALTERNATIVE: Most of What You Believe About Poverty Is Wrong

by Mauricio L. Miller

Mauricio L. MillerIn recognition of his innovative approach to generating economic and social mobility for low-income families, Mauricio has been honored with a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, a Schwab Award for social innovation, was appointed by President Obama to the Council for Community Solutions, is an Ashoka and Prime Mover Fellow, a Purpose Prize winner and was invited by President Clinton to his 1999 State of the Union Address for his work. He has also taught at UC Berkeley and Princeton Universities.Clara MillerPresident of the F. B. Heron The Alternative, is not only important reading, it’s imperative. Miller, a trained engineer, the one-time manager of a top social service organization and most importantly, the son of a remarkable single mother, has both lived and observed the failings embodied in our attitudes toward the poor and, as a result, the flaws in our systems meant to help people in poverty. He merges heart and soul with system thinking to yield a prescription featuring the real math, trust relationships and courage that can change the “us and them,” to “upward together” and put American families in the driver’s seat to build their futures.

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2023

Reviews

[Mitzi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was assigned to read this book for a group I’m in, and I’m glad I read it. The author, a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, talks about how his family struggled with poverty, how he worked to combat it, and why typical strategies for long-term solutions don’t work. He offers an alternative strategy that empowers families and communities.