Prosperity Now text with a family at a park

From the Editor

Dear friends and partners,

The holidays are right around the corner, so it’s a great time for us to reflect on all that we are thankful for—including the hard work and dedication of our Prosperity Now Community to move everyone toward wealth equity.

Although this is a time to give thanks, we have to recognize that many Americans are still facing exceptional hurdles to wealth-building and financial security. This is particularly true in many Native American communities which have endured centuries of systematic displacement as well as financial and social marginalization.

While the annual Congress of the American Indian Association proposed the observance American Indian Day in 1915, it took until 1990 for the US government to enact a resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month, honoring and celebrating the history, culture, traditions and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Americans.

This month’s newsletter explores challenges and opportunities for Native Americans as well as the work we can all do together to raise awareness about these wealth disparities, and ultimately eliminate them. We’re also introducing our Children’s Savings Account Starter Kit which can be used to help design, implement and launch CSA programs.

So, pull up a chair and get ready to fill your plate with data, resources and solutions. As always, thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Kristin Lawton
Senior Director of Communications

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Financial Education is Key to Improving Health and Wealth in Native American Communities

November is Native American Heritage month and there is much to celebrate—from the cultural beauty and strength of Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities to the tenacity of their efforts to reclaim economic self-determination. However, these communities still face significant disparities in physical health and financial well-being. This guest post from our partners at First Nations Oweesta explores how financial education can help remedy these inequities. Read more

Advancing Manufactured Housing in Native American Communities

Ahead of the 2019 I'M HOME conference from November 18th through the 20th, we're examining the opportunities that manufactured housing can offer to Native American communities as well as the roadblocks. Read more

Introducing the Children’s Savings Account (CSA) Starter Kit

Prosperity Now strives to find new ways to support existing programs and provide the key ingredients to assist new programs on the horizon. That’s why we’ve compiled all of our CSA design materials and resources and samples from CSA programs throughout the country into a "one-stop shop” online resource—the CSA Starter Kit. Learn more about how you can use these vital tools to design, implement and launch CSA programs. Read more

Mark Your Calendar

2019 I’M HOME Conference | November 18-20 | Portland, OR | Register

2019 Savings Network Webinar Series | Multiple Dates Through November | Register

Reaching Community Members with Sustained Debt Earlier Webinar | December 3 | Register

A First Step Towards Eliminating Savings Penalties

A Roadmap for Addressing Economic Inequality

6 Reasons to Unite Child Savings Accounts and College Access-Success Programs

Cost and Quality: Breaking Down the Stigma of Manufactured Housing