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As a development intern for Compass Family Services, I have gotten the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of basic income this summer through Compass’ Guaranteed Basic Income pilot 'It All Adds Up'. I came in with a vague understanding of basic income and randomized control trials, and have since gained a deeper understanding of how
agencies like Compass can play a crucial role in contributing to research, particularly in guaranteed basic income. During my time with Compass, I have gotten the chance to work on a process evaluation for the pilot and attend the Basic Income Guaranteed (BIG) conference in San Francisco. I have had an incredibly rewarding learning experience, and the following are my key insights.
Basic income is a social welfare proposal that advocates for regular, no-strings-attached cash payments to members of a community. Over the past century, the idea has gone through three distinct waves of support, with the third and most significant resurgence starting in the early 2010s largely as a response to the 2008 financial crisis. With this renewed interest in basic income, attending the 22nd Annual BIG Conference this July was an especially exciting opportunity for me. The two-day conference, called "Meeting the Moment," sparked discussions on the history, current state, and future trajectory of basic income. It illustrated how basic income has evolved from a fringe idea into a powerful social movement, undergoing a significant transformation along the way.
Although universal basic income (UBI) gained widespread attention during Andrew Yang's 2020 Democratic presidential campaign, the pandemic marked a critical shift in the national conversation about basic income. UBI, a policy proposal that advocates for regular, unconditional payments to all individuals regardless of their financial situation, was initially designed to address unemployment gaps and provide a safety net for everyone. However, the focus has since shifted to Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI), a more targeted form of financial support designed to address the structural inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic. Many speakers at the conference highlighted GBI's deep roots in economic justice. With mentions of figures like Johnnie Tillmon, an African-American welfare rights activist, they emphasized the importance of centering marginalized communities in economic movements as early as the mid-20th century. These discussions on economic and racial justice are especially relevant to Compass' mission, as 93% of the families we served in 2023-2024 identified as families of color. Our work addresses the intersection of poverty and racial inequality, reflecting the needs of the communities we support.
As Compass launches its own GBI pilot, we join a growing national movement exploring diverse approaches to basic income. Participants and speakers from across the country shared insights from their own GBI pilots, each with their own target populations, time frames, and financial structures. From providing financial stability for artists to assisting youth aging out of foster care, these pilots demonstrated the various ways GBI can make a tangible impact and provided hope for all the basic income advocates in the room.
Although UBI pilots are less common in the United States compared to GBI initiatives, their impact and innovative approaches were prominently featured at the conference, particularly in international settings. One such UBI pilot, presented at the conference, was conducted in India and Bangladesh. It introduced a cash-plus model where direct cash payments provide not only immediate relief but also act as a catalyst for deeper community transformation. This pilot targeted informal settlements, showing how this approach empowers community members, thereby building trust and fostering empowerment. This example underscores the qualitative impacts that basic income can have, extending far beyond mere financial relief. It illustrates how such initiatives can inspire collective action and self-organization within communities, showing UBI's potential to drive not just economic change but social solidarity.
While pilots are crucial for building momentum, looking ahead to the future of basic income, the movement also requires effective narrative building to overcome misconceptions and influence policy. The conference emphasized this by highlighting the Economic Security Project’s storytelling guide, which aims to ensure that the results of pilots influence policy and drive tangible change. These narratives are crucial in countering deeply held cultural beliefs and emerging anti-GBI movements that threaten progress. By reshaping perceptions, they can shift the view that financial insecurity is a personal failure and instead highlight the structural barriers embedded in our economy and laws.
My time at Compass has offered a comprehensive view into the multifaceted nature of the basic income movement. From the historical evolution of basic income concepts to the strategic implementation of diverse GBI pilots across the United States, each element has revealed the potential of these programs to address systemic inequalities. Compass’ own initiative, 'It All Adds Up', is a testament to how tailored, community-centric approaches can enhance the lives of participants, reflecting the unique challenges and strengths of each family. As we look to the future, it’s clear that continuing to refine the narratives around basic income and learn from each pilot’s outcomes will be crucial in driving the broader acceptance and success of basic income initiatives. This experience has not only enriched my understanding, but has also solidified my commitment to advocating for economic systems that support and uplift every individual.
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