Life on the Edge - Poverty Simulation
A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE AIMED AT HELPING THE COMMUNITY UNDERSTAND POVERTYWhat is the Poverty Simulation?
The Poverty Simulation is a unique, interactive experience that helps individuals begin to understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress. It moves people to think about the harsh realities of poverty and to talk about how communities can address the problem collectively. Most importantly, it encourages people to make a difference.Pictures and Video from previous simulations
How does the Poverty Simulation Work?
In the simulation, 44 to 80 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing a variety of challenging, but typical circumstances. Some are homeless, others have recently become unemployed, and some are suddenly faced with the responsibility of raising grandchildren.In addition, about 20 volunteers – generally people who have experienced poverty – play the roles of resource providers, such as social workers, loan officers, employers, pawnbrokers, grocers, utility collectors, police officers and teachers.
The program is conducted in a large room. Participants are seated in family clusters, and community resources are located at tables around the perimeter of the room. To start the simulation, each family is given a card explaining its unique situation and a small amount of “money.” It is then the families’ task to provide for food, shelter and other basic necessities by accessing the various resources during the course of four 15-minute “weeks.”
The activity lasts approximately three hours and includes an introduction and briefing by a facilitator, the simulation exercise, and a debriefing in which participants and volunteers share what they have learned about living in poverty.
Why is this Important?
As a community we want to make the best use of our assets and our most important asset is our citizens. Living in poverty is harmful to the health and well-being of individuals. For the very young, long term poverty can and will impact their lives forever. It is not so easy to “pull oneself up by the bootstrap” and move out of poverty.Hunger is a symptom of poverty, and the faces of the hungry are often not as visible as one would think. According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2008, in Manatee County about 12.7 percent are living in poverty and the current unemployment rate is 13.7%. More than half of Manatee’s school children receive free or reduced priced lunches.
How Can I Host a Poverty Simulation?
If you are interested in hosting a poverty simulation, please complete the interest form by clicking the following link:"Simulation Hosting Application"
Contact Information:
Christine Blyden at phone - 941.827.2887 x.7810 or email - cblyden@manateecaa.org.
Host a Simulation
If you are interested in hosting a poverty simulation, please complete the interest form by clicking the link below.Simulation Hosting Application
Contact Information
Christine Blydenphone: 941.827.2887 ext.7810
email: cblyden@manateecaa.org