Events and Activities : Volunteers sought for poverty simulation event

The public is invited to participate in a Poverty Simulation to be held Wednesay, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Vinton-Shellsburg High School.

The Poverty Simulation is a unique, interactive experience that helps people begin to understand what it might be like to live in an impoverished family, trying to survive from month to month. The objective of the simulation is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income families.

Participants assume the roles of different families facing poverty. Some are newly unemployed, some are homeless, some are recently deserted by the breadwinner, and others are receiving assistance—either with or without additional earned income. The task of all families is to provide basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute weeks.

The simulation lasts from 2 ½ to 3 hours. It includes an introduction and briefing, the simulation exercise, and a debriefing in which participants and volunteers discuss their observations and experiences.

The simulation is conducted in a large room with the families seated in the center. Tables around the perimeter of the room represent various community resources and services, including a bank, employment office, a pantry, a school, welfare office, etc. Volunteers, referred to as staffers are recruited to represent the community resources.

The poverty simulation experience can be an eye-opener to anyone who wishes to understand more about the realities of poverty. The simulation is an effective tool for many audiences including professionals who provide services, educators, religious organizations, elected officials, students (high school or college), or any other interested community members.

In 2013, Iowa’s unemployment rate was 4.7%, an increase of 79.8% since 2000. The 2013 Benton County unemployment rate was 5.1%, an increase of 107.7% since 2000. Source: Iowa Workforce Development

In 2013, 12.4% of all Iowans lived in poverty, including 16.1% of children in the state. In Benton County, 12.2% of children lived in poverty, an increase of 60.5% since 2000. Source: US Census Bureau

And in 2013, 13.6% of Iowans received food assistance, an increase of 219.7% since 2000. Source: Iowa Department of Human Services

To register, follow this link: Vinton Poverty Simulation Registration. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Erin Monaghan at 319/241-1817 or Heidi Schminke at 319/472-4543.

The Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa Area offers services and referrals to families throughout Benton and Tama County with children ages 0-5. The focus of Early Childhood is to ensure that children enter school happy, healthy and ready to learn. For more information on the Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa Area or the other service resources available in each county, contact Heidi Schminke at 319/472-4543, director@bettertomorrowseci.org; or Lori Johnson at 641/484-4788, ljohnson@tamacounty.org. You can also visit our website at www.bettertomorrowseic.org.

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