What IS a Poverty Simulation?

The Community Action Poverty Simulation breaks down stereotypes by allowing participants to step into the real life situations of others. Poverty is often portrayed as a stand alone issue - but this Simulation allows individuals to walk a month in the shoes of someone who is facing poverty and realize how complex and interconnected issues of poverty really are. he goal of the Poverty Simulation is to foster empathy, increase awareness about the systemic barriers that contribute to poverty, and spark conversation about how we all can help sustain paths to stability for low-income families in our community. This engaging activity is ideal for churches, nonprofits, schools, community groups, conferences, economic development groups, and corporate teams.

During the Simulation, participants are assigned roles as members of a low-income family or as a provider of a community resource (teacher, employer, etc.). To start the exercise, each family is given a card explaining its unique circumstances and a small amount of money. The task of each family is to provide food, shelter and other basic necessities during the 4 15-minute “weeks” in the Simulation while interacting with various community resources around the perimeter of the room. After the experience, individuals then have the opportunity to discuss what they’ve learned with their peers. 

In order to host the Poverty Simulation, your organization will need:

• A space large enough to host the event (3,000 feet is typical). 

• 12 long tables set up around the perimeter of the room. 

• 70-150 chairs (total depends on number of participants) set up throughout the room.

• A registration process to know how many people will be participating.

• 3 hours set aside for Simulation, which includes a brief orientation for all participants, 4 15-minute “weeks” of the Simulation, and a debriefing period at the end.

• Nonprofit/church/public K-12 rate: $600. Other groups: $1000. If outside of Wake County, mileage and other travel expenses may apply. If you have your own Simulation kit to use, the rate will be $100 less.

• 45-90 participants, including 19 participants identified to volunteer in “Provider” roles (they will need to arrive 30 minutes early for orientation).

• Ability to make copies of worksheets for participants.

Facilitator provides:

• Simulation kit.

• Facilitation plan, including role assignments, family scenarios, and room set up. 

• Language describing the Simulation for you to send to potential participants.

• Facilitator to run all aspects of the Simulation.

• Updated local data on poverty to share during Simulation.

• Editable resource document to use for follow-up communication to your group.

To schedule time to discuss a Poverty Simulation for your group, email Marisa at marisambryant@gmail.com.

Click here for more information on the Poverty Simulation from the Missouri Community Action Network, which created and sells Simulation kits.