Let's get real about...
This new series of issues papers presents the facts, the figures and the theology of The Methodist Mission on the issues that really matter for Dunedin and New Zealand in 2012, all on a single A4 paper.
Use this series as a springboard to discussion and further research.
Open copyright: may be freely copied, excerpted or distributed with acknowledgment. Discussion welcome; please contact us.
Crime and Punishment
17 June 2012: What we think about imprisonment, why it doesn't work, and what would really reduce crime.
> DOWNLOAD Let's Get Real About Crime and Punishment
[Link opens small PDF file]
In/Equality
27 May 2012: What we think about the rise of inequality and the damage it's doing to us all.
> DOWNLOAD Let's Get Real About In/Equality
[Link opens small PDF file]
'Dependency'
25 April 2012: What we think about the 'dependency' myth, and what it's really like to be poor.
> DOWNLOAD Let's Get Real About 'Dependency'
[Link opens small PDF file]
Employment
29 February 2012: What we think about jobs and joblessness, government policy, beneficiaries and 'bludgers'
> DOWNLOAD Let's Get Real About Employment
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Welfare
'Reform'
12 March 2012: Read the Christchurch Methodist Mission's information about changes to the welfare system and their impacts.
> The poorest children pay the price [opens small PDF]
"One can hardly expect to improve welfare simply by reducing it. Compelling people to look for jobs that do not currently exist is unfair, pointless and demoralising. Imposing benefit sanctions is morally unacceptable and profoundly unjust to our country’s poorest children..."
> Demonising Beneficiaries Is Not The Answer
"Demonising 'welfare' and the people that claim it is not good quality policy making. However, when people are losing their livelihoods, there is one sure way to harness populist support and outrage - to scapegoat the people who have the least...
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> Other Mission publications and submissions
