Poverty Simulation an Eye-Opener

Thanks to all who helped and participated in the Poverty Simulation on May 27, 2011! The evaluations showed the power of the activity. Here are a few of the responses:

• Chaos, hopelessness, helplessness. I thought I knew a lot but this was an eye opener.
• They must likely live in chaos, fear, survival mode and would have a hard time having hope. I will be less judgmental.
• They (people in poverty) deal with a lot of frustration, helplessness and lack of control of their lives.  Yes, my views have changed.
• The state and most community assistance are insufficient to solve or even to educate to a positive conclusion.  They perpetuate dependency.  I have been totally out of touch.
• Very frustrating, like a chicken running around with its head cut off.  Felt really chaotic, stressful, hopeless, and helpless.  Very confusing to remember your true values, priorities when you are living in flight/fight survival mode.  Very limiting and disorganized.  Yes, my views have changed.
• It’s very hard to get ahead. I felt like I was being rushed and not getting anywhere. I didn’t realize how frustrating it was for them to live day to day.
• They don’t have enough time to get the services that they needed.  The need for transportation is a real issue.
• The everyday stress never ends and spills into the children’s lives.  I felt helpless and ashamed.  I feel even more compassion for these people we often overlook.
• Families in crisis are already hanging on by a thread trying to succeed.  It may only take one negative experience to push them over the edge.
• The system filled all my expectations of indifference.  As a picture of hopelessness understanding and empathy don’t fill bellies.  Where is the call to Action?  What do you want me/us to do?  We do want to.
• I cannot believe the challenges they face and the lack of care people have for them in their time of need.  I learned more about life in 2.5 hours, than I did in 6 years of college.