Thread by @RobinHoodNYC

Chetty’s insight into the #MobilityFromPoverty issue provides a framework for sustainable action. Up now to discuss a new data-driven, heart-led initiative are @heynisha and @iamwesmoore of @RobinHoodNYC, @daniellurie of @tippingpoint, & Rachel Garbow Monroe of @hjweinbergfdn

.@heynisha: "Together with @hjweinbergfdn, @tippingpoint, & @gatesfoundation, @RobinHoodNYC is excited to announce Mobility Learning and Action Bets (LABs), a pioneering $25m, 4yr initiative to spur the development of new solutions to sustainably lift families out of poverty."

Mobility LABs will also focus on promoting dynamic leaders who will aim to change the national conversation around social and economic mobility. #NoCityLimits

By the end of this 4yr initiative, Mobility LABs & its partners hope to:
1) Increase learning about effective short-term predictors of #MobilityFromPoverty/identify new metrics to guide future investments. (cont.)

2) Measurably increase short-term predictors of #MobilityFromPoverty in diverse demonstration communities.
3) Create an active cohort of leaders who understand, embrace, and promote new narratives about #MobilityFromPoverty. #NoCityLimits

“Robin Hood is #NYC born, bred, & focused, but we know that poverty is not just a NYC issue," says @iamwesmoore. “Under @heynisha’s leadership, Mobility LABs will allow us to partner w/ impactful funders across the U.S. to test & drive poverty-fighting solutions." #NoCityLimits

"This is what we mean by moving in partnership to puncture an incredibly hard problem." - @iamwesmoore #NoCityLimits

Mobility LABs will focus on a variety of U.S. communities, including those in #NYC, #Baltimore, #Pennsylvania, #Chicago, and the #BayArea. #NoCityLimits

.@DanielLurie of @tippingpoint: "The #BayArea is known for progressive ideals, a booming tech sector & cultural innovation. But in the midst of this opportunity, there are 1.3 million people who are too poor to make ends meet. Mobility LABs will support those being left behind."

“You need 5 minimum wage jobs to afford the #BayArea.” - @DanielLurie

New data - including that of previous speaker Raj Chetty of @Harvard & @OppInsights and that of @RobinHoodNYC's own #PovertyTracker - clearly underscores the need to prioritize investments in #MobilityFromPoverty. #NoCityLimits

The ethos of Mobility LABs stems from @RobinHoodNYC's work to identify and invest in poverty-fighting models developed in #NYC that could be successfully replicated in other communities & models created in other cities that could be implemented here in New York. #NoCityLimits

Panelists discuss how - though data-driven - the initiative will embark on a new area of work & will need to make bets in order to learn. Risk will be mitigated by working with national & local anchor partners with solid track records & significant expertise. #NoCityLimits

"Given our mission of supporting low-income & vulnerable populations, our hope through this partnership is to build knowledge and capacity that will help us move people from poverty, not just serve people in poverty," says Rachel Garbow Monroe, President & CEO of @hjweinbergfdn

"We have to get rid of the myth that philanthropy can fix all of this." @iamwesmoore notes that systemic and structural changes must take place to create sustainable mobility. #NoCityLimits

"I am so proud of @RobinHoodNYC pushing boundaries to say what else can we do? Who else can we partner with?" - @iamwesmoore #NoCityLimits