The ATD Fourth World movement was founded on an act of faith. Its creators believe that human beings find within themselves the very essence of their value, and hence their dignity and honour. Regardless of their way of life, their thinking, their limitations and their faults, their intrinsic value as human beings remains intact. This is the essence from which all else emanates.<\/p>\n
Experience has convinced them that, even when appearances suggest otherwise, human beings never abandon what makes them authentically human, and, that in the depths of their being, they long for justice, for truth and for love.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, they believe that, however badly treated, however unloved, human beings never give up the right to be part of the human community, nor to be recognised by it.<\/p>\n
And while all human beings have an inalienable value, to be fulfilled they need their group. Both their future and their present depend on finding in their community the strengths and opportunities to reach their full potential.<\/p>\n
This is why ATD Fourth World cannot think of people in poverty as isolated individuals, destined to pursue their upwards struggle on their own. Its approach will always be to ensure first and foremost that they be recognised by their community. On the other hand, their community should expect them to show solidarity with each of its members and also to participate in its plans and progress.<\/p>\n
Only by acting for the advancement of their community will they progress in their social, political, trade union and religious life. It is through their community that they will be empowered to achieve their full human potential.<\/p>\n
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