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| Participant Asia Ambler (L) played the part of a mother seeking assistance for her infant child. Maggie Reeger (R), an AmeriCorps VISTA member serving with the Food and Health Network, played the part of a community action agency staff member. |
On April 28, 2016, Rural Broome Counts hosted its first Rural Poverty Simulation at the Tioughnioga Riverside Academy in Whitney Point, NY. The event, which one participant described as "very moving and educational," packed the school cafeteria, drawing in over 100 people from the surrounding community. Within the simulation, 83 participants assumed the roles of several rural families living on the edge of poverty. Each family profile was based upon real individuals facing poverty.
Participants had the stressful task of adapting to their respective circumstances and providing for basic necessities on a limited budget. Many participants were forced to make difficult decisions. One family reported having to choose between buying food for the week and paying the rent. Some families were evicted from their homes, while several others had their utilities shut off. Other families resorted to selling off their furniture, appliances, and jewelery.
Described by community members as an "eye-opening experience," the simulation was designed to stimulate a deeper understanding and realization of the daily struggles faced by those living on the edge of poverty. The experience was successful in encouraging conversation about individual behavior and actions that can be taken to influence change through advocacy, giving, volunteering, and building relationships. By the end of the evening, participants were able to confront their assumptions, re-evaluate their beliefs, and eventually broaden their perspective about poverty in their own community.
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