Most people in the US believe that people are poor due to their own deficiencies. Because many of us have this misconception, we unfortunately stereotype our limited-income customers who reach out for assistance. We often assume that because the limited-income customer needs help, it must be as a result of some poor choice(s) that he/she may have made. This is not always true and is merely another form of stereotyping. It is our social responsibility to learn how to change our mindset when it comes to interacting with our vulnerable population and recognizing that stereotyping creates barriers. Come learn how to practice self-inclusion using the DIVE IN approach.
Lora Proctor works for Tacoma Public Utilities in the Customer Solutions Office (CSO). The role of the CSO is to assist limited-income and elderly customers in obtaining assistance with their utility bills as well as provide community outreach. Lora is also the co-host of a local news program, Tacoma Report, which highlights the happenings in Tacoma, WA. One of Lora’s greatest accomplishments is that she recently published her first novel, which was 12 years in the making.