Community Institutions in Times of Crisis
The current economic meltdown has made me reflect more and more on the role of community organizations/institutions
during times of hardship and uncertainty. Our current economy is in bad shape, and we’re likely to feel the fallout in lost jobs, lost job openings, and lost homes/assets for months, possibly years, to come.
What are our responsibilities to one another in times of crisis? The response is reliable and familiar for disasters, but with something as pervasive and private as personal finances and wealth, it becomes trickier. I have watched families fall through class brackets and learn to reevaluate their class identities and sense of pride in the context of previous recessions, but this recession seems like a harbinger of a deeper struggle to come.
Sikhi has a relatively clear requirement for service to others and wealth redistribution (daswand) from the more to less fortunate. What do we do when we find ourselves moving across classes or relative wealth? I would argue that now, more than ever, as people of faith our philanthropy, service, and efforts are needed in the same ways they would be for a disaster or catastrophe. We have an opportunity and moment to move beyond our personal egos and create support systems not only for the Sikh community, but for our larger communities. How many of our gurdwaras are located in areas that are impacted by the current mortgage foreclosure crisis and recession? Enough that I think we can make a difference.
I hope that in this stressful time we can rise to the occasion and get to know our neighbors by sharing and providing shelter, comfort, food, and resources. These dire times truly call for chardi kala and sarbat da bhalla, but we will be challenged to figure out what that means and how to make that happen in a time when all of us face uncertainty as individuals and community members.
8 Responses to “Community Institutions in Times of Crisis”
The problem is going to get a whole lot worse before it stabilizes. These symptoms are very small compared to the hurricane that is about to hit the economy. The market is superficial based on debt and credit, and the US dollar is based on nothing but the paper it is printed on. The whole world is in for a wild and scary economic ride.
The problem is going to get a whole lot worse before it stabilizes. These symptoms are very small compared to the hurricane that is about to hit the economy. The market is superficial based on debt and credit, and the US dollar is based on nothing but the paper it is printed on. The whole world is in for a wild and scary economic ride.
The economical condition of the world have changed the life of many people. Many potential home buyers have lost their jobs. But some people's life were not disturbed that much. I have heard that foreclosure home deals in Canada is increasing day by day, is that true?
The economical condition of the world have changed the life of many people. Many potential home buyers have lost their jobs. But some people's life were not disturbed that much. I have heard that foreclosure home deals in Canada is increasing day by day, is that true?
What you have heard is right. I'll suggest you a link based on
foreclosures in Canada, you can surf it out. for clear picture.
What you have heard is right. I'll suggest you a link based on
foreclosures in Canada, you can surf it out. for clear picture.
At the time of crisis in our country, people should try to help one another. I went through the site given by Adam, it served me for a great purpose.
At the time of crisis in our country, people should try to help one another. I went through the site given by Adam, it served me for a great purpose.