Here’s how the poverty simulations work: Participants assume the role of a low-income family member living on a limited budget and interact with volunteers playing the roles of bill collectors, school administrators, service providers, and more.
A simulation creates a community of people living in poverty for one “month” comprised of four 15-minute weeks. During this hour, each family unit must connect with community resources (i.e., schools, utility companies, social service workers, etc.) to meet their basic needs on a limited income.
The experience lasts about two and a half hours. It includes an introduction, the actual simulation exercise, and a debriefing period in which participants and actors share their feelings and experiences and discuss ways in which we are working to reduce poverty in our community.
