Hey, Check it out - it's me!  This is the photo they used on Knoxville's NBC affiliate's website.  (Link to  Article at WBIR) We were in  poverty simulation.  It was a great experience that gave a wholistic view of what someone in poverty has to go through on a month to month basis.  

Basically what happened was we were placed in families of 3 or 4 and we were given a set amount of money and resources to use for a 'month' (which was actually 4 15 minute intervals).  The objective of the family was to pay the rent and bills, buy groceries, and some various other things.  When money got low, it got very frustrating.  

I played the role of Richard Rogers, the 17 year old son of a single mother.  I had two very annoying siblings.  I was a high school graduate and was looking for a job.  Some of the frustrations I experienced were: finding transportation, helping babysit my younger siblings, looking for a job and the various headaches inherent in that adventure, getting robbed, dealing with the Pawn Broker who wanted to cheat you (we had to pawn our stereo, TV, and furniture to meet rent).  I was even able to find a job, but my first check wouldn't be for a month!  So much for eating.  

All in all it was very well thought out and executed.  Everyone that participated came away with a clearer and more personal understanding of what frustrations exist for someone in that situation.  It is an oppressive state to be in.  

Thanks to Julia Pearce at the Good Sam Clinic for organizing this and inviting me.  I hope to implement something like this for our church.  

Posted In: culture poverty

Bookmark This Article: Del.icio.us, Digg, Reddit, Facebook, Stumbledupon