Thank you for checking out this opportunity!
Are you:
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Looking for more insight into the lives of members of our community who experience chronic hardship?
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Wanting to make a significant contribution to promote deeper understanding of the hidden costs of economic exclusion?
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Open to being part of a one-of-a-kind offering that doesn't come around very often?
The Citizen Advisory Council, comprised of representatives of the City of Topeka's 21 established low-income neighborhoods, is seeking volunteers for a community-wide immersive experience.
A poverty simulation provides participants, and volunteers, with an unfiltered glimpse into the challenges, barriers, and negotiations required to survive on limited means.
How The "Community Volunteer" Role Differs From The "Household Participant" Role:
The CAC wants to reserve the household participant roles specifically for individuals who work or operate within structures that are traditionally inaccessible to low-income citizens or exert influence over the conditions to which low-income citizens are relegated.
If you are not sure if you are best suited for a community volunteer or household participant role, here are some questions for you to consider:
-Are you able to save or invest money through a savings account, retirement plan, or money market accounts; or assist others with their investments?
-Do you have significant real estate holdings (valuing $300,000 or more)?
-Have you been able to absorb rising cost-of-living expenses with minimal impact to your personal finances?
-Do you have significant outstanding medical or educational debt?
-Do you currently have close friends, professional acquaintances, or immediate neighbors living on disability payments or earning under $35,000?
-Do you have deep knowledge of financial, legal, or legislative rules and regulations with the ability to navigate around them?
-As a student, are you attending an institution without need of a scholarship or significant support?
-As a student, do you receive an allowance or have a personal vehicle?
How you respond to any of these questions may indicate that the community volunteer role is best suited.
How This Volunteer Opportunity Works
Volunteers will simulate various community roles and businesses to engage participants as if they were living the lives of an under-resourced citizen. Examples of roles assigned are: a case worker, a property manager, or a community health worker.
Schedule of Event
- Noon-1 PM: Lunch Provided (optional)
- 1 PM-2 PM: Volunteer Training
- 2 PM-4:00 PM: Simulation
- 4:00 PM-5:00 PM: Debriefing and Close
What To Expect From The Citizen Advisory Council
- Lunch will be provided free of charge (gumbo or chicken parmesan) *limited vegetarian options*
- Proof of service hours for those who need or require it
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers must:
- Arrive to the event location by 1 PM for an hour-long training
- Be willing to work their assigned station for about 2 hours
- Stay for a debriefing session (varies from 45 mins-1 hour) - this portion is critical as participation in the poverty simulation can bring up unhealed wounding in individuals who have or are currently experiencing poverty
Final Notes
If the CAC can help facilitate your (or your group's) participation, but your specific question isn't answered here, please e-mail us!
Due to the scope, nature, and sheer size of putting on a poverty simulation, it is very difficult to discern when another chance to be a part of one will come along again. We'd love you to join us in the wave of progress within Topeka/Shawnee County.
