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Advocacy, creativity can fight poverty, journalist says at CitySquare event

Dallas Morning News

Originally Posted: March 20, 2015

By DEBORAH FLECK

CitySquare does its part to fight poverty in Dallas. Through service, advocacy and friendship, the nonprofit has been at the forefront. Yet challenges remain.

Journalist Nicholas Kristof talked about these challenges in a breakfast program Thursday at Southern Methodist University.

Lauren Embrey, president and CEO of the Embrey Family Foundation, introduced him as someone who “uses the gift of journalism to shine a light on injustice in the world.”

Kristof travels extensively and has written columns and books about human courage and sacrifice. At the breakfast, he shared stories both heartwarming and heartbreaking. One was about Judge Olly Neal of Arkansas, a young troublemaker whose life was transformed by a kind librarian.

Lives can be changed by early intervention and hugs, he added. Also, coaching parents can make a difference. On a larger scale, Kristof said smarter advocacy and a creative policy are needed.

“Advocacy is a place to start,” he said “We need to build bridges and look for common ground.”

To learn more about CitySquare, visit citysquare.org. READ MORE

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