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Panel debates whether economic mobility hinges on individual action or structural change
Summary
At a Columbus Metro Club forum, panelists debated whether economic mobility is chiefly driven by individual choices and community action or by structural forces such as concentrated corporate power, fragile safety nets and underfunded programs. The discussion highlighted local workforce programs, Piney Woods’ community model and the role of employers and civic engagement.
A Columbus Metro Club forum at the National Veterans Memorial Museum brought together Dr. Joyce Chen of The Ohio State University, Will Crosley of the Woodson Center and Stephanie Hightower of the Columbus Urban League to debate what drives economic mobility.
Moderator Rodney Dedigan opened the conversation by asking whether families, neighborhoods, employers, government, schools or civic institutions “hold the keys” to opportunity. Stephanie Hightower responded, “We all hold the keys,” arguing that everyone from families to funders must act and that many nonprofit staffs who help others succeed are paid too little to do that work effectively. Hightower described programs that pair training with supports such as stipends, childcare and transportation and said those supports are…
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