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When people who work are getting paid the same, they can afford less because their money doesn't stretch as far. This leads to a lower standard of living, more debt, and financial stress. People who may cut back on spending, which can slow down the economy. Over time, it can also increase inequality and cause frustration among workers.

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When the prices goes up but the paychecks stays the same, it mostly affects the federal government because they make the big decisions about money, like setting the minimum wage and trying to control inflation. Local governments get hit too, since busses, and public workers, and higher costs can mess up their budgets.

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Federal Government

They are mainly responsible for setting economic policies, managing inflation, and deciding whether to raise the federal minimum wage.

If they don’t take action to raise wages or help with the cost of living, the problem gets worse.

Businesses and Employers

Companies choose how much to pay their workers. Some keep wages low to increase profits, even when they can afford to pay more.

Lawmakers and Politicians

They create or block laws that could improve pay or provide financial support.

If they don’t listen to the needs of workers, they allow the issue to continue.

The Federal Reserve

It controls interest rates to fight inflation, but this can slow down job growth and wage increases, even if unintentionally.

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What’s yours is mines, and what’s mines is mines!

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ESP is a progressive nonprofit focused on economic justice, particularly through guaranteed income initiatives. They have supported over 100 pilot programs nationwide and advocate for policies like the Cost-of-Living Refund, which proposes expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to provide monthly payments to families earning under $75,000. This approach aims to redefine "work" to include caregiving and education, ensuring broader access to financial support.

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An offshoot of Citizens UK, the Living Wage Foundation promotes the adoption of a living wage across the UK. They work with employers to ensure wages reflect the true cost of living, aiming to alleviate financial pressures on workers.

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Raising awareness is a long-term solution that lays the groundwork for policy reform and collective action by educating the public about the economic struggles faced by low-wage workers. Most people know prices are rising, but many don’t fully grasp how wages have failed to keep up or how this imbalance deepens inequality. By sharing facts, real-life stories, and analysis on platforms like social media, community forums, podcasts, or local events, individuals can shift public perception and inspire broader support for wage justice. Awareness campaigns can also influence voting behavior, pressure lawmakers, and hold corporations accountable for low pay and exploitative labor practices.

The level of involvement varies and is accessible to almost anyone. You can start small by reposting credible infographics, writing opinion pieces, speaking at school or town hall meetings, or organizing educational events through student groups or faith communities. More involved actions might include partnering with nonprofits to host awareness drives or using storytelling to humanize the issue (e.g., video interviews with low-wage workers). While the cost is generally low, time and consistency are key. Free online platforms like Canva, TikTok, or Instagram make it easier to design and spread impactful messages, but effective campaigns require thoughtful messaging and sustained engagement.

The main challenge is cutting through misinformation and apathy. Many people believe myths about minimum wage workers (e.g., that they're mostly teenagers), or they feel powerless to effect change. Building awareness means not only informing, but also inspiring. You must tailor your message to your audience—some may respond better to personal stories, others to economic data. Maintaining momentum over time is also difficult, especially without funding or organizational backing. However, when done effectively, raising awareness can lead to grassroots movements, corporate changes, and legislative wins that make a real difference in combating low wages and rising living costs.

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Spreading awareness of economic justice on social media for my peers and others to see it, and learn more about this issue and be able to share it with others also.

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Due to the low minimum wages most families are struggling living paycheck to paycheck everyday, so creating a go fund me account and spreading awareness on my social media, I’ll be able to raise enough to donate and/or give to families in need.