All districts — Grand Rapids-based non-profit Access of West Michigan is offering schools the opportunity for staff and students to learn about the intricate reality of life in poverty through their Poverty Education Program.
Access offers a large-group simulation that allows participants to experience the frustration, discouragement and setbacks many individuals and families have while experiencing poverty.
“In a nutshell, the simulation increases understanding of poverty, creates empathy for those facing economic hardship and promotes awareness of the complexities of assessing social and community services,” said Access Poverty Education director Kim Starks.
She said the simulation exemplifies the systemic realities of poverty and sensitizes participants to counter their own stereotypes and biases, an experience in which she would love to see more teachers and students in local schools participate.
“Poverty education inspires advocacy and motivates (participants) to take action based on their engagement in their work or personal spheres,” Starks said.
Last August, Kenowa Hills district and building administrators, counselors and secretaries participated in the simulation.
Each staff member was assigned an identity, family, set of demographics and tasks to complete using limited funds and resources. Access employees who had firsthand experience with poverty ran the simulated employment office, pawn shop, grocery store and homeless shelter.
Each role played by a Kenowa Hills staff member during the simulation represented a fictional individual or family facing the real-life barriers of living a low-income life.
Following the simulation, staff members broke into small groups to debrief and discuss their frustration over their circumstances; the lack of time, money and childcare; and how their struggles mirrored real life.
Superintendent Jerry Hopkins said participating in the simulation helped everyone try to walk in someone else’s shoes.
“The more people go through that simulation, the more it opens their eyes to how poverty impacts students’ lives and how we can better serve our families,” he said.
The Poverty Education Workshop has engaged audiences throughout Michigan for over 20 years, created employment opportunities for those living in poverty and provided education and advocacy opportunities for over 1,000 participants each year. To learn more or to book a workshop, email the Access team at poved@accessofwestmichigan.org.
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