Poverty Simulation

The poverty simulation addresses the challenges of living with limited resources and an abundance of stress. Role play or simulation is a powerful way to convey real-world obstacles to securing food and shelter, while maintaining the family and negotiating support systems, agencies, and the real world.

The program, licensed through Missouri Community Action Network (MoCAN), is designed for 40 to 88 participants, who will experience a month in poverty as four 15-minute weeks. During that time, they must provide for their family, securing food and shelter. They will interact with community institutions and resource providers to do this. The simulation requires 3-4 hours.

Simulation Effectiveness

In general, people retain:

20% of what they hear
30% of what they see/read
50% of what they hear/see/read
70% of what they hear/see/read/discuss
90% of what they hear/see/read/discuss/do – a simulation

Expected Outcomes

Better understanding of the generalizations made about people with low income.
Improved customer service for clients with low income.
Improved connections and coordination with staff in other agencies and partner organizations to lessen bureaucratic obstacles for clients.
Increased awareness about institutional obstacles for people with low income.
Improved ethics when making financial decisions in business.
Improved ethics when promoting products to people with low income (such as predatory financial services).

Interested in Hosting a Simulation?

Would you or your organization like to offer a Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) in your community or region? Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you’ve experienced poverty, it’s difficult to truly understand. The poverty simulation helps to bridge that gap from misconception to understanding. Its intended purpose is to sensitize community participants to the stresses of a life lived near the poverty line.

For more information on how to bring a poverty simulation to your organization or community, please either reach out to your local Illinois Extension office or contact Nancy Ouedraogo (esarey@illinois.edu) or Mike Delany (mdelany2@illinois.edu). We will be delighted to help you bring this very enlightening and worthwhile event to your area.