Just ACT - by Angie Peters (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Poverty ended for Angie Peter's family in one generation because of the intervention of ordinary people who cared. Just Act is an inspirational guide for people, businesses and community organizations who are concerned about poverty but feel hopeless about their ability to make any meaningful difference. Built upon the insights of people with lived experience of poverty Just Act answers your questions, provides inspirational true stories, informs about effective initiatives, and addresses barriers to success. It then provides a step-by-step process to develop a comprehensive one-year action plan that can transform lives for generations to come.

Review Quotes

"Angie Peters' dedication to her vision to end generational poverty is inspiring. She asks questions of and seeks truth from diverse people and uses that to inform her actions. She solicits perspectives and fresh thinking from subject matter experts across sectors to help us identify solutions to poverty. Her book Just Act is practical and action-oriented. A must-read for anyone in any sector interested in breaking down generational poverty."

--Ugo Bizzari CFA, Managing Partner & CEO, Hazelview Investments

"Just Act is a call to action with the objective of eradicating multi-generational poverty. Based on Angie's 18 years of hard-won experience, the book is full of thought-provoking and practical steps that each of us can take to help this important objective. Angie recognizes that each of us have unique talents and skills, and helps individuals and companies focus on real and worthwhile actions each of us can take."

--David Harris, President & CEO, Kinectrics

"Curious about interrupting the cycle of poverty? Believe in the power of people with lived experience to drive change? Dive into these inspiring stories of interrupting the cycle of poverty and deciding to act to end poverty. This is an indispensable practical guide for communities of faith and service who want to recommit to human dignity for all."

--Pastor Peter Noteboom, General Secretary, The Canadian Council of Churches

"For the corporate philanthropy practitioner, Just Act offers practical tips on how to build a community impact plan. Consideration of broader frameworks such as the UN SDG's and community partner metrics and outcomes are just a few examples of helpful insights that are offered up through numerous business case studies within."

--Karen Soos, Director, ESG Reporting & Social Impact, Scotiabank

"In today's world, when it is easy for optimism to be drowned beneath a deluge of negative news, it is reassuring to know that there are businesses out there that provide hope. Businesses that provide a beacon of light in the dark and engage their employees to transform society for the better. This book shares stories of some of those businesses - and, as such, provides helpful inspiration to those who are prepared to seek a different way and change the world."

--Mark Hews, Group CEO, The Benefact Group

"In Just Act Angie Peters helps us to understand poverty through a human lens, how it impacts people, and why it is entrenched. But unlike most books on poverty, she does not leave us there. Through inspirational stories, compelling examples, and research, she helps us understand ourselves and what each of us can do that would truly help people move out of poverty and fundamentally change our communities."

--Dr. Karyn Gordon, WSJ & USA Today Bestselling Author, Top #10 World's TEDx Speaker (2022) & CEO, DK Leadership

"Increasingly we are seeing or feeling the sting of poverty; that sting may be material, or of the soul. Just Act illuminates a clear path forward, for those willing to make a difference in their life, and in the life of the community they reside in."

--Neil Heatherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank

"Just Act inspires individuals and organizations to integrate actionable measures enabling each one to set tangible goals to re-imagine philanthropy not as an event but as a lifestyle. Each action point propels us forward to eradicate poverty in our lifetime. It is not just a dream but a reality for each one of us to step into and invite others to join us on the journey to end generational poverty once and for all."

--Alana Walker-Carpenter, CEO, Intriciti

"Think of this book as a kick-starter for those who care deeply about tackling poverty but don't know where to start. Peters addresses some of the misbeliefs preventing personal involvement, clearing the way for starting small and where we are at. Written from a Christian perspective, the principles of action, supported by real-life examples, will motivate anyone who wants to make a difference. Bravo!"

--David Guretzki PhD, President & CEO, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

"This book challenges the inclination to sometimes solve in solitude and instead, brings to life the importance of listening to people experiencing poverty. Angie has given us a book that can only come from someone who understands the needs of the community."

--Farah Mohamed, CEO, Prince's Trust Canada

"This is not just a book; it is a toolbelt. Angie Peters cuts through the complexity of theory and brings us to the street level of a community problem. The lived experience stories are inspiring and innovative, demonstrating that our core disconnection is our prioritization of the individual over the community. She makes visible not just how profound change is possible, but that it is entirely accessible.

--Stacey Campbell, President & CEO, Prison Fellowship Canada

"With Just Act, Angie knowingly brings a distinct voice and clear insight to the multifaceted complexities of poverty. Without romanticizing it, she provides responsible and thoughtful responses as she shepherds readers through an insightful, practical, and vital discussion, with refreshing wisdom and humility."

--Tim Huff, Founding Director, Youth Unlimited's Light Patrol Street Outreach

About the Author

Angie Peters is an inspiring and collaborative leader in Toronto's social sector serving the communities where she grew up. In 2003, she left her executive role in telecommunications to work towards the end of poverty. She founded ZOË Alliance, an international social enterprise, before joining Toronto's Yonge Street Mission in 2013 as President and CEO. In 2022, she hosted a Poverty Hack-a-Thon that has since birthed a city-wide multi-sector collaboration that is creating trust, action and momentum to build communities where everyone can thrive.