For many years now, a central theme at Acton has been concern for the poor and the excluded. Historic, large-scale efforts to help alleviate poverty both domestically and internationally are perfect examples of how good intentions just aren’t enough. Our strategy needs to connect these good intentions with sound economics and an approach based on a theological understanding of the human person in order to make long-lasting changes.
For those of you who have been around Acton for a while, you may remember our work in this space over the years—from the Samaritan Award project, welfare reform analysis, and various conferences to our work on global poverty with the PovertyCure Project and DVD series as well as the award-winning documentary Poverty, Inc.
As you will read in this issue, Acton is doubling down on our commitment to work in the poverty sphere with the creation of the Center for Social Flourishing. The Center will be a national and international hub to convene scholars, human service providers, and social entrepreneurs to gather the best ideas, disseminate best practices and lessons learned, and network with other organizations. The Center for Social Flourishing will provide a vision for human flourishing and serve as a place where people interested in both domestic and international poverty can learn from each other.
I am pleased to share with you this issue of Spire, which tells stories of some of the wonderful people who have been impacted by our work over the years, partnership successes, and our vision for the future of the Center for Social Flourishing.
Very truly yours,
