January 20, 2020 from 9-11am in the Gym

Reality Check Poverty Simulation

[From United Way of the Piedmont]

Will you start out the month with only $10 to meet your family’s basic needs? … Or, will you be one of the unlucky ones? You’ll find out when you join us for a unique opportunity to experience the realities of poverty.

During the simulation, participants role-play the lives of low-income families. Some are TANF recipients, some are disabled, and some are senior citizens on Social Security. Participants will have to provide for basic necessities and shelter on a limited budget during the course of four 15-minute “weeks.” They interact with volunteers serving as human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, job interviewers, police officers, and others.

Although play money is used, the simulation is not a game. It is a simulation that enables participants to look at poverty from a variety of angles and then to recognize and discuss the potential for change within their local communities. The simulation was designed to sensitize those who frequently deal with low-income families, as well as to create a broader awareness of the realities of poverty among policymakers, community leaders, and others.

We invite you to participate in the Poverty Simulation and we think you will find it provides an intriguing opportunity to describe a very real challenge to our community.

The simulation is most appropriate for adults. There are often situations and conversations that are not appropriate for children under the age of 16.

The simulation is very dependent on the number of people who participate, so you MUST pre-register here in order to ensure your spot in the simulation.


To register, visit https://uwpiedmont.galaxydigital.com/aem/general/need/?doc_id=5701&need_id=477057