Brightpoint Brightpoint A simulation involves 40 to 80 participants who take on the roles of members of 26 families, all facing a variety of challenging, but typical, circumstances. Some are homeless, others jobless, and some are suddenly faced with the responsibility of raising grandchildren. In addition, about 20 volunteers play roles of resource providers and businesses in the simulated community.
The program is conducted in a large room. Those playing family member roles are seated in clusters in the center of the room, while the community resources and businesses are located around the perimeter.
Each family is given a packet containing information about their unique circumstances. It’s then the families’ task to provide food, shelter, and other basic necessities by accessing the various resources during the course of four 15-minute “weeks”.
The activity lasts from two-and-a-half to three hours. It includes an introduction and briefing by a facilitator, the simulation exercise, and a facilitated debriefing during which everyone shares what they learned about living in poverty.
The Poverty Simulation is a profoundly moving experience. It helps people begin to understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress.
Are you interested in hosting or sponsoring a Poverty Simulation for your business, church, social club, or community organization?
We can customize one for your group of 40 to 100 people. Contact Brightpoint at (260) 423-3546, ext. 286, for more information.
Poverty Simulations that are open to the public will be listed on our calendar of events. If there are no simulations listed, contact us to find out about partnering with Brightpoint to host a Poverty Simulation.