1. A Poverty Simulation Experience

2. The Spring Kick-Off Event for the 2008-2009 Common Reading Project

3. Bloomington, IN February 25, 2009

4. The chosen text for the Common Reading Project was Nickel and Dimed, on (Not) Getting By in America. Author Barbara Ehrenreich went undercover to experience life as an underpaid member of America’s working poor. Her investigation revealed the stress and anxiety of the millions who cannot “get by” on minimum wage jobs.

5. The Poverty Simulation Experience gave participants the chance to “live” for a month with very limited funds and resources -- and to deal with the stress and challenges associated with poverty.

6. A crowd of about 60 people participated.

7. Participants were grouped into “families” who would live and work together to keep their household going.

8. Some families had babies to take care of.

9. Other participants found themselves to be single parents and would have to face the challenge alone.

10. Most had to scramble to find a job and create a plan for the month.

11. Children would have to be taken to school.

12. Rent and bills would have to be paid.

13. And there would be very little money to pay those bills.

14. Participants had to secure transportation and prioritize their other responsibilities.

15. Although it was a struggle to survive on the limited resources…

16. Many participants were able to take care of their basic needs.

17. Some, however, had to pawn precious items to generate enough cash for the month.

18. Some had to even spend time in jail!

19. Some were able to get help from the Department of Social Services.

20. Others found help from shelters and faith-based organizations.

21. After patiently waiting in line and filling out endless forms…

22. A lucky few were able to get individual attention from a Social Services Caseworker.

23. At the end of the experience, most participants were tired, weary, frustrated, and stressed.

24. The Poverty Simulation Experience was an all too real experience for some and a real eye-opener for others. Most participants agreed that the lack of time, money, and resources made it nearly impossible to survive on the income from a low-wage job.

25. How can you help break the cycle of Poverty?