A poverty simulation is designed to promote awareness of the challenges low-income families face, as well as bring community leaders and low-income community members together in an effort to create shared understanding. The next simulation will be held:

Friday, May 5, 2022 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm in the SURC Ballroom.

It involves a role-play where participants are assigned a family profile and need to navigate paying bills, getting to work, caring for children, accessing services, etc. across four 15-minute “weeks.” Volunteers play the role of various “Resource Stations” (e.g. grocery store, school, bank, DSHS, employer, food bank, etc.).

Once the simulation has ended, there will a de-briefing where people can share their experiences and discuss how they relate to issues in our community.

• Students and those who wish to participate in a family member role need to sign up in advance HERE.

• Faculty/Staff and community members are also encouraged to participate as Resource Station Volunteers (requires pre-simulation orientation starting at 12:30 pm). Sign up HERE.

View images from the 2017 Poverty Simulation here

This simulation uses the Community Action Poverty Simulation Kit developed by the Missouri Community Action Network. Learn more here.