The School of Social Work, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, will be facilitating a poverty simulation on January 31st from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1010 W Nevada. It’s one of many events happening over the next couple of weeks in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
The simulation is a nod to Dr. King’s work, and is meant to foster deeper understanding of the day to day realities of those who are living in poverty. Participants will be asked to assume the roles of different types of families: some are homeless, some have had a sudden employment loss, some are seniors on fixed incomes, some are on disability, some are receiving government assistance. They will be working as “families” to figure out how to cover basics expenses.
The simulation will be followed by a debriefing session.
This is open to University students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members. You must register to attend, and you can do that here.
Top image: There are two women facing each other. One is standing with her back to the camera. The other is seated behind a table facing the camera. There’s a sign on the wall behind her that says “Pawn Shop: Buy, Sell, Loan” and “Big Dave’s Pawn Shop.” Photo from Facebook event page.
