The United States government sets the standard of poverty guidelines each year for the country. In 2009, the poverty standard for a family of two in one of the 48 mainland states is $14,570. These statistics have often been criticized for not adequately representing the true cost of living for Americans. The cost of living in New York is much different than the cost of living in Arkansas, but that is not represented on a federal level. Critics have argued that the cost of living standard have been set far too low for Americans to realistically live off of.

A typical couple has monthly bills that include rent or mortgage payments, food, gas, insurance, clothing, and other household expenses. When factored together, a combined income of $14,570 is barely enough. For each additional person, the government raises the standard another $3,740. In 2008, a study by the United States Department of Agriculture, found that the annual cost of raising a child under the age of two in a two parent household was $14,510. This study greatly contradicts the current poverty standard for the country.

Poverty is not just a problem in the United States, but globally as well. According to a statistic by UNICEF, approximately 18 children die each minute due to poverty. This statistic and others like it have inspired the formation of many volunteer organizations, including the Do Something organization. Do Something is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to inspiring others to make a difference in the world. The group supports a multitude of causes including animal welfare, education, poverty and discrimination, along with many others. The groups website gives people the resources they need to make a difference even allowing viewers to search for different volunteer opportunities in their communities. Do Something has partnered with some big-name companies like Pepsi and Aeropostale to help spread the word about different campaigns they are involved in.

One cause that Do Something is extremely involved in is raising the awareness of poverty levels. They focus not just on the United States but other countries around the world as well. According to Do Something's website, over one billion people in the world live on less than one dollar a day. This figure is alarming, and Do Something is working to help change it by inspiring young generations to make a difference. For information on how to make a difference in the war on poverty, as well as other global issues visit www.dosomething.org. Be an inspiration and do something about poverty in America.

Join Teen Scene and Do Something by texting "teen scene" to 30644. We will keep you informed as to how you can get involved in your own community to start making positive changes. Please spread the word to your friends and help out a good cause. 

Photo Credit: www.myspace.com/dosomething

	Written by h on 10-13-2009 16:20 - Guest
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