Poverty Simulation Offers Learning for All Ages

Western Springs will host a poverty immersion program, open to all, on Sunday, November 5th from 2-5pm at McClure Junior High. Developed by the Communities First Association (cfapartners.org), the program allows participants to experience firsthand what it is like to live in material and social poverty throughout three “days” of about 20 minutes each. Participants role play characters based on actual people as they go about the daily tasks of working, commuting, and negotiating social services.

“As soon as I heard about this program, I wanted to replicate it here,” says local pastor the Rev. Kate Spelman, “It’s a unique and really effective opportunity for people to expand their capacity for empathy. That’s something I care about as a pastor, but also just as a human being. Most people in our area wouldn’t know what it’s like to have to rely on public services – or to suffer from a mental illness, or to be disowned by their family – there are a lot of types of poverty! This simulation allows people to get a feel for the realities of what living in poverty entails in our area, and understand some of the decisions people in poverty face.”

Since its inception in 2016, the poverty immersion program has been shared with religious and secular groups across the United States and Canada, breaking down myths of poverty for over 400 participants. Through introductory materials and a debriefing workshop, participants are prepared for their immersion in the material and offered a chance to unpack the experience and ask questions. Communities First Association promises that the program will “…challenge your definition of poverty… inform the way you think about poverty … and break down myths about poverty.”

Spelman worked with a group of other local residents to bring the program to Western Springs, including pastors at the local Congregationalist, Methodist, and ELCA Lutheran churches. The program is open to people of all ages – young children can participate with an adult. “This could be a great teaching tool for parents,” said the Rev. Meredith Onion from First Congregational Church. “I can easily imagine having my high school or middle school kid take part as a way of learning more about the world outside of Western Springs – but the truth is that most of us learn by doing. I think we’ll all learn a lot.”

Registration for the program is now open, though availability is limited to 60 people. You may register or find more information online at http://www.wscongo.org/poverty-immersion/