2010 is the European Year For Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
2010 is the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. As well as pan-European events, national and local events will take place in every EU Member State, Norway and Iceland. Activities will include awareness-raising campaigns, workshops and information seminars in schools. Films, magazines and other information material will be produced to help people understand how poverty and social exclusion affect their communities, and to increase awareness of their rights.
The EU is one of the richest areas in the world, but 16% of EU citizens are living below the poverty line (defined as having an income of less than 60% of their country's median income). Living in poverty may result in a variety of problems, from not having enough money to spend on food and clothes to suffering from poor housing conditions or homelessness. Poverty also means having to cope with limited lifestyle choices that may lead to social exclusion.
The guiding principle of this European Year is to give voice to the concerns of people who have to live with poverty and social exclusion, and to inspire every European citizen to engage with these issues. This Year also aims to challenge stereotypes and collective perceptions of poverty.
European-level conferences will take place in January and December and an art initiative will build a bridge between people experiencing poverty and social exclusion and the creative world. In addition, special training days will give the media and decision-makers fresh insight into these complex subjects. Along with public figures, people who have experienced poverty will act as campaign ambassadors, which will help to raise visibility and credibility for the Year's activities and invite others to get involved.
Please visit the following websites for more information: