FAQs:


Who makes up the PPEHRC?

An ever-growing number of grassroots organizations, community groups, and non-profit organizations comprise the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign.  For a list, click here

What is the relationship of the University of the Poor to the PPEHRC?

The University of the Poor is the educational arm of the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign and is concerned with the unity and development of the leaders of the Campaign.  The University of the Poor was conceived in October 1999 during the March of the Americas, and its Working Group/Staff was established at the February 2000 PPEHRC meeting.  It has organized the educational component of many PPEHRC activities, and it is conducting schools and workshops with PPEHRC members across the nation.  For more information, visit www.universityofthepoor.org.

What is the relationship of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union to the PPEHRC?

The Kensington Welfare Rights Union, as part of a project commissioned by the National Welfare Rights Union, spearheaded the Economic Human Rights Campaign, which later became the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign.  The KWRU severed as the de facto organizer for many of the early actions held under the PPEHRC banner.  While the KWRU remains an important leader in the PPEHRC, official policies and endorsements are now set by the PPEHRC’s Coordinating Council.

Does the PPEHRC endorse candidates for electoral office?

The PPEHRC has never formally endorsed a candidate for electoral office, preferring instead to concentrate on organizing in our locales and building our infrastructure.  Member organizations, however, may or may not endorse electoral campaigns as they see fit.

Does the PPEHC have a legal strategy?

We believe that we must compliment our fighting in the streets with fighting in the courts.  The PPEHRC has been using international legal mechanisms to hold the US government accountable for economic human rights violations.  In 1999, our Legal Committee filed a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights that charged the US government with economic human rights violations stemming from welfare reform legislation.  At the present, we are preparing the petition for re-submission.

Does the PPEHRC have a legislative strategy?

The PPEHRC is pursuing legislative solutions to economic human rights issues in many state legislatures and city and town councils.

How does my organization join the PPEHRC?

In order to be a PPEHRC member, an organization must unite with the mission of the campaign and agree to build the campaign and sign a statement to this effect.  They must support one PPEHRC-endorsed event a year; they must implement PPEHRC education by utilizing the U Poor; and they must participate in a Members Congress held once every 2 – 3 years.