EAPN General Assembly 2008 - Bulgaria, 25-27 September EAPN–FIN PLAN FOR THE YEAR 2010 Presented by Leena Veikkola, Ari Saarto, Liisa Saaristo and Juha Mikkonen. The Finnish branch of the European Anti Poverty Network and the Finnish Federation for Social Welfare and Health have applied funding for the following actions: METHODS 1. The poverty reduction plan of EAPN-Fin’s member organisations - poverty in Finland today; who are the poor, the roots of poverty (the description of poverty and deprivation development), who are actually poor – new groups of people that have become poor, how does poverty effect everyday life, how to the cut poverty circle? - how has the aim to cut poverty in half proceeded; achievements, the biggest problems at the moment and what should be done to achieve the goal? 2. Regional poverty round tables - in regional and capital areas to add the involvement of people in the matters of poverty, to find out the picture of poverty and to find out solutions - based on the new information improvements will be carried out (as much as possible), the material will also be part of the NGOs poverty report 3. Communication campaign The aim is to raise public discussion and awareness, and wake up the decision makers, that - poverty is more common than expected and often hidden - poverty creates hardships and effects in everyday life in many ways - poverty is part of ordinary life of people living in different situations - it seems like the Finnish aim to cut poverty in half by the year 2015 is not going to succeed The campaign will make the effects of poverty in everyday life concrete e.g. - money makes inclusion – money is needed almost every time you want to take part of activities - poverty through the eyes of the child - stay at home mother/father and poverty in everyday life - poor youngsters - poverty and the elderly - long term illness causes poverty - poverty causes social exclusion TIME SCHEDULE 2009 - poverty round tables (and taking the results to decision makers) - the preparation of the poverty report of NGOs - the preparation of the campaign 2010 - The theme year campaign (weeks 42 and 43) - publishing of the poverty report of NGOs - poverty seminar in the Finnish Parliament and other PR activities - affecting on European level RESULTS 1. The national report of poverty brings new information about hidden poverty and its effects on people and society. The report is in connection with the work of SATA committee’s report on the social security effects and situation. Concrete proposals to correct the problems will be made from the basis of the report. 2. Round tables about the poverty will raise regional discussions about poverty, create possibilities for citizens to participate and influence society. It also raises awareness of the local decision makers to problems caused by poverty. The EAPN-Fin networking in the areas will be more active. 3. The PR campaign that benefits from the report and materials of the round tables will give more information about hidden poverty and its effects on the public. The poverty matter will be dealt with more widely and concrete in publicity which will affect the whole public atmosphere. 4. Finnish perspective will be forwarded in European decision making.