It Works on a Small Scale

Family Independence Initiative (FII) offers a new approach to getting people out of poverty. Notice that I did not use the word 'helping'. That's because FII's basic premise is that the poor can get themselves out of poverty.

What FII does is provide a structure. The word 'Family' in its title is one of the keys if you use its plural form, families. FII organizes small groups of families and gives them an opportunity to better themselves by using the talents, ideas and strengths of the families. A group is very goal-oriented. FII asks the group to write down its goals as a group, as a family, as an individual. When a goal is met, FII pays $30 (there is a maximum of $200 per month). FII supplies a computer so that they can fill in a monthly questionnaire devised by FII; the question tracks changes in their lives, such as income, debts, health, community endeavors, etc. The answers in the questionnaire are audited every three months.

In addition to setting their goals, each family meets at least monthly with the other families in their group to discuss goals and whatever else they think important. These monthly meetings are not organized by FII. Nor are they run by FII. In fact, FII does not even provide any advice to the group. Maurice Lim Miller, the founder of FII, says, "What we’re going to do is give you some resources and connections and we’re going to trust that you’ll do something,” he said. “You guys are in the power position. If you do nothing we’ll fail. If you do something we’ll all learn.”

Here's what FII says the results have been in Boston:

In June of 2010 152 individuals, including 81 children, from 35 families enrolled in FII’s Boston demonstration project. In just six months by working together they made tremendous progress toward the goals they set for themselves. Outcomes include:

• 13% increase in average household income (excluding subsidies and FII payments)
• 22% increase in average savings
• 25% of children improved grades
• 20% improved attendance

The families are pursuing a range of initiatives to move forward and are focused on quality of life issues like more time with their kids, for themselves, building relationships, better access to food, self care, and education. The families reported over 500 initiatives and positive “sparks” from June to December of 2010. Families are also taking steps to raise their credit rating by getting financial counseling, paying bills on time, and reducing debt.

Similar results have been achieved in San Francisco, Oakland and Hawaii. It appears as though this is not a get-rich-quick scheme or an attempt to exaggerate results.While the NY Times has been wrong before, there is a feature article on FII in today's paper.

Would it work on a large scale? I have my doubts, but, on whatever scale it does work, it is helping people and this country.