United Way of Kaw Valley is looking for individuals willing to support a guided Poverty Simulation.
The poverty simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in 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 faced by low-income people.
For this volunteer experience volunteers will be provide a role to play in a mock community. Participants will travel through this community learning from the volunteers in each given situation. For example you might be asked to assume the role of police officer and/or an “illegal activities” person.
The simulation is conducted in a large room with the “families or participants” seated in groups in the center. Around the perimeter are tables representing community resources and services for the families. These services include a bank, super center, Community Action Agency, employer, utility company, pawn broker, grocery, social service agency, faith-based agency, payday and title loan facility, mortgage company, school, and child care center.
The experience lasts from two and a half to three hours. It includes an introduction and briefing, the actual simulation exercise, and a debriefing period in which participants and volunteer staffers share their feelings and experiences and talk about what they have learned about the lives of people in poverty.
All volunteers will receive an In-person Volunteer Training, where you will learn about your specific role to play.
Simulation will be conducted and volunteers will report to the Sunflower Foundation for this volunteer role 5820 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66606
Attire is causal
