Poverty Simulation gives inside view into life with low income

[AllegroRondo]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5232545

http://www.communityaction.org/Poverty%20Simulation.htm

Poverty simulations give participants a taste of what it might be like to live in a low-income family. Leaving their real-world identities behind, groups of 40-85 participants assume new roles and life situations for around three hours. They must navigate daily tasks that would be familiar, if not for the limitations of having far fewer resources to draw on.

During four 15-minute "weeks," those assigned adult roles try to maintain their home, feed their family, send children to school, keep their utilities on, make loan payments, pay for daily expenses like transportation, handle unexpected emergencies and figure out how to access local support and resources. Participants playing children clamor for attention, go to school and imagine the trials of poverty from a child's perspective.

In just one evening of imitation poverty, real emotions build up. "Most people start off confident in their abilities," says Teresa Wilson of Missouri Association for Community Action. "But they often become angry and frustrated, because they feel like they're not being allowed access to resources they usually take for granted. Some ask, 'Why don't I have a debit card in here?' and I have to remind them they don't even have a bank account!"

Afterwards, trained facilitators lead participants and staff in a discussion. Participants reflect on their own ability to cope in a "state of poverty" and examine the issues and emotions raised by the interaction between the "poor" and community agencies. Staff sometimes share personal testimonials about their experiences in poverty.