We often like to use this space to point out the brilliant work being done by others across the country – especially those trying to make better the lives of the less fortunate. Today we want to focus your attention on Bob McKinnon of GALEWiLL, a self-described “for-purpose” company, analyzing the socioeconomic factors involved in an individual’s pursuit of “the American dream”. From an Eillie Anzilotti piece in Fast Company:
“A new project from GALEWiLL and funded by the Ford Foundation, called the Your American Dream Score, deflates that idea that success–or lack thereof–is purely one’s own doing. The calculator is a part of a larger initiative, Moving Up: The Truth About Getting Ahead In America, which comprehensively examines the factors that contribute to mobility in America, and why changing one’s circumstances is far more difficult than the folklore leads up to believe. The reasons are myriad: wide disparities in educational quality, access to resources like healthy food, and social and familial support are just a slice. But too often, McKinnon says, when someone “makes it out”– like him – the only reason offered up is: “He worked hard.” When someone doesn’t make it out, the reason is: “He didn’t work hard enough.”
McKinnon is right. For many people, working hard is not nearly enough. But he’s not content to simply apply a number to people. He also wants to change things.
“…the calculator also tells users what they can do with that perspective: At the end of the quiz, users are directed to a number of resources for support and further information, as well as volunteer opportunities and prompts to thank people in their lives. The Moving Up team will also be releasing a discussion guide for schools and other organizations to discuss the factors in a structured way.”
There’s always lots of talk from politicians, especially during election years, about fighting for the little guy. (We’ve seen first-hand what that talk has led to.) But here is someone who believes the concept of “the little guy” could become a thing of the past. Bob McKinnon knows the problem can’t be solved until the problem is understood. And he’s working tirelessly to understand it.
Many people, including thousands receiving this email, dedicate their lives to helping the less fortunate. They are concerned with their housing, their next meal, warm clothes…etc. They are essential. They are heroes.
McKinnon’s work is solid step towards ensuring that work gets easier by reducing the number of people dependent on it.
Art Gurwitz.
Founder. Areena.
Share:
Author
