Volunteers Needed for Poverty Simulation WDMLA

Each year, class members in the West Des Moines Chamber’s Leadership Academy, along with interested community members, participate in a Poverty Simulation at WDM Christian Church.   This simulation provides a unique opportunity to experience the virtual realities of poverty in an effort to begin eliminating poverty in our community.

The Poverty Simulation begins with an introduction and ends with a chance for participants to share their thoughts, feelings and develop plans for action.

Participants play the roles of family members facing poverty.  Some are homeless; others are disabled.  Some are retired people raising their grandchildren.  The task of each family is to provide for basic necessities and shelter during four 15-minute “weeks”.

Additional volunteers, many of whom have faced poverty themselves, may staff the simulation. They play the roles of grocers, landlords, police officers, social workers, bankers and employers.

The Poverty Simulation will be held on Thursday, November 15, from 12:00-4:30 in the Fellowship Hall of West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway.  We welcome anyone interested in participating in this meaningful and impactful exercise. 

Please contact Jeana Schultz at the WDM Chamber at 222-3679 or jeana@wdmchamber.org if you would like to take part or register to volunteer online here.