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Poverty Simulation

St. Vincent de Paul with help from the Multi-faith Action Coalition
Saturday, August 4 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
St. Stephen’s Catholic Church
1101 Keaveny Court
Walnut Creek, CA 94565

About This Simulation 

This poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants understand what it might be like to be a part of a typical low income family trying to survive from month-to-month. It is a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities of life faced by low income people.

How does it work? 

The simulation requires the involvement of between 30 and 75 participants (40-60 are ideal). The participants assume the roles of up to 26 different “families” living in poverty. The task of the families is to provide for basic necessities and shelter for one “month,” consisting of four fifteen-minute “weeks.”

The simulation is conducted in a room with the “families” seated in groups in the center. Around the perimeter are tables representing community resources and services for the families. These services include a bank, food pantry, employment office, pawn broker, grocery store, welfare office, currency exchange, and school. Also in the “community” there is a police officer, a utility collector, a landlord/rent collector. Volunteers are recruited to act as the vendors at these tables. The simulation lasts approximately three hours. It includes an introduction and briefing, the actual simulation exercise, and a debriefing period in which participants and volunteer vendors share their feelings and experiences.

Who should participate? 

This poverty simulation experience can be an eye-opener to anyone who wishes to understand more about the realities of poverty.

The simulation might be given for members of a church or community women’s organization, or it might be opened to the entire church or community. Experiences might target persons who are in positions of influence related to poverty in general, or to low-income persons in particular: public aid workers; legislators; educators; social service workers; attorneys, etc.

We are still looking for volunteers who have been through the Poverty Simulation experience willing to help as Facilitators. If you would be available contact: Stephen Krank (925) 439-5060 #28

Thank you to the National Charity League – Lunch will be provided for attendees following the Simulation debriefing.

To register for the event: http://evite.me/MYuh2gqvTq

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