Poverty simulation workshop aims to create understanding

Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana is holding a unique poverty simulation workshop that is designed to help people better understand the realities of poverty.

Human service agencies, local civic and community leaders and the general public are all welcome to participate in the simulation on Tuesday, June 20 at 1:30 p.m. in Kalispell at the Gateway Community Center, 1203 U.S. 2.

“This program helps people understand the complexities and frustrations of living in poverty day to day,” said Tracy Diaz, executive director of Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana. “With a greater awareness of its impact, we can more effectively address the poverty issues in our community.”

Using a simulation kit, participants role-play the lives of low-income families. Some are TANF recipients, some are disabled, and others 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 15-minute “weeks.” They interact with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, job interviewers, police officers and others.

More than 133,621 Montanans are living at or below the federal poverty level, according to the 2020 census.

“This is the everyday reality of thousands of Montanans. Understanding that reality will help us change it,” said Diaz.

The simulation was designed to sensitize those who frequently interact with low-income families as well as to create a broader awareness of poverty among policymakers, community leaders and others.

“Community Action Poverty Simulations enables participants to look at poverty from a variety of angles and then to recognize and discuss the potential for change within their local communities,” said Elaine West, executive director of Missouri Association for Community Action, which made the simulation available nationwide.

Visit their website at www.communityaction.org to find out more about the poverty simulation.

CAPNM is a private, nonprofit organization with the unique ability to pursue federal, state, private, and local funding sources with the overall mission: “to provide services and advocacy to improve lives and strengthen our communities.”

Participants must RSVP to CAPNM by June 15. Call 406-758-5462 for more information.