Boulder county residents will have the opportunity to
experience the lives of low-income families in a poverty simulation hosted by
the Boulder County Circles Campaign on Dec. 15 at the Longmont YMCA.
During the simulation, participants role-play the lives of
impoverished families. Some are Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
recipients, some are disabled, and some are senior citizens on Social Security.
They have the stressful task of providing for basic necessities and shelter on
a limited budget during the course of four 15-minute “weeks.” Participants will
interact with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors,
job interviewers, police officers and others.
The simulation enables participants to look at poverty from
a variety of angles and to recognize and discuss the potential for change
within their local communities. The simulation was designed to sensitize those
who frequently work with low-income families, as well as to create a broader
awareness of the realities of poverty among policymakers and community leaders.
For additional information and to register for the
simulation, contact Kara Edin at 303-441-3977 or kedin@bouldercounty.org, or
Eliberto Mendoza at 303-441-1503 or emendoza@bouldercounty.org.
