Poverty Simulation Volunteer

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In a Poverty Simulation, 40 to 80 participants assume the roles of up to 26 different families facing poverty. Some families are newly unemployed, some are recently deserted by the "breadwinner," some are homeless, and some are grandparents raising their grandchildren. During the simulation, the task of all of the families is to provide for basic necessities during the course of four 15-minute "weeks."

The simulation is conducted in a large room with "families" seated in groups in the center. Around the perimeter are tables representing businesses and services for the families including a bank, a super center, a Community Action agency, a pawn shop, a mortgage company, and a school. In order to carry out the simulation, volunteers are needed to staff the resource tables representing the businesses and services in the simulated community.

It is helpful if the volunteers have experienced the hardships of poverty themselves. This adds authenticity to the simulation by allowing the volunteers to add personal, real life experiences.

Brightpoint regularly facilitates Poverty Simulations, and therefore depends on the help of volunteers to execute them. Contact Kristen Keuhl, (260) 399-4109 or kristenkeuhl@mybrightpoint.org for more information, or to sign up to be on the volunteer list.