A conversation with Tomeka Hart Wigginton, president and CEO of United Way of the Mid-South and Dr. Kenneth Robinson, recently retired president and CEO of United Way of the Mid-South.

What does “disruptor” mean to you?

Kenneth Robinson: The community is in need. Tackling the pervasive impact of poverty requires a disruptive approach. Poverty in Memphis reached 22.6% at last report, with poverty affecting more than 1 out of every 3 children. The challenge is overwhelming and real solutions require that we do things differently; think about the problem differently; and, most importantly, go about creating real change differently. United Way chose to disrupt the path toward multigenerational poverty for thousands of our neighbors.

Tomeka Hart Wigginton: I agree. And it’s that kind of innovative thinking that appealed to me when I considered leadership of United Way of the Mid-South. United Way is a disruptor in how we identify the programs delivering best practices in social services and connect those agencies and programs to improve access and outcomes for families.

We have so many agencies across the Mid-South doing good work alone. United Way — through our funding initiatives and “Driving The Dream” — is improving outcomes for families by working in a connected and collaborative way. Independent agencies are now working together on behalf of individuals and families who are trying to build economic and social mobility.

How does poverty affect the community as a whole?

Robinson: The entire economy and quality of life for every Mid-Southerner depends on how we serve and uplift the poor. When our neighbors are working and children are in school, then families can build lasting transformation in their lives.

Wigginton: Poverty is a complex issue for families and for the community. It is simultaneously a symptom that needs to be treated and a root cause that needs to be tackled. Our community’s persistent and prevalent poverty can only be addressed if, in addition to attending to the symptoms families suffer, we also apply strategies targeting the root causes that plague communities. When we only address the symptoms of poverty, we exacerbate our challenges, negatively impacting us all.

One challenge that is top of mind for many in our community is crime. There is a correlation between poverty and crime, where crime is the symptom and the root cause is poverty. When we focus on the symptom, our strategies lean toward law and order.

However, as the Brookings Institute’s research shows, to realize holistic community outcomes, we must focus on the root cause, directing resources such that communities have “access to economic opportunity, quality education, stable housing and health care.” That is the work of the United Way of the Mid-South.

What is the next challenge for Memphis and United Way?

Wigginton: United Way continues to be responsive to this community’s challenges. “Driving the Dream” is a great example of how we have built upon strong relationships in the social service sector to help individuals achieve financial mobility. We are now positioned to do so much more. We serve as a convener between the nonprofits that deliver services; the philanthropic community that funds our work; and the public sector that drives institutional change. United Way’s next chapter will be defined by how we expand impact by leveraging partnerships to create systemic change. When we change the system, we change the community for the better and people benefit.

Robinson: United Way has always been a connector for finding solutions to our community’s challenges. The organization is poised to thrive under Tomeka’s leadership. She is a thought-leader and capacity builder. More than anything, she knows this community and has the passion and talent to re-imagine and expand the mission of United Way of the Mid-South.

Original article posted HERE.