Event Sponsors
The poverty immersion is a facilitated and interactive workshop where a mock community is created. Volunteers playing the roles of bankers, employers, law enforcement officials and DSHS staff, etc., interact with Attendees who are trying to meet their needs. An Attendee assumes the role of a family member living on limited income. Throughout the immersion people are faced with the challenging daily dilemmas and stresses that are common when families have low-incomes. The activity is followed by a debrief session and an opportunity to make personal and/or professional action steps.
If you would like to participate in this thought provoking event, there are two ways to do so. You can register as a volunteer, or you can register as an attendee. Read the description of each option below and click to register. The registration deadline for this event is Thursday, April 16, 2020.
Register as a Volunteer:
As a volunteer, you will play the role of a community resource provider such as a social worker, banker, teacher, law enforcement or health care worker with whom the attendees interact. Volunteers please promptly arrive at 9am for a quick briefing on the event.
Register as an Attendee:
As an attendee, you will play the role of a person living in a household with poverty level income and interact with volunteers playing the role of community resource providers. Attendees please promptly arrive at the beginning of the program, which is 10am.
Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families in our community. But unless you have experienced poverty, it is difficult to truly understand. The Poverty Immersion bridges that gap from misconception to understanding. It creates in participants a stronger sensitivity to the realities and complexities of poverty.
During the Experience: Role play what it might be like to live a month in poverty, including tackling various challenges that may be difficult to overcome.
Increase Understanding: Unpack your learning and brainstorm opportunities for personal and community change.
Inspire Local Change: Be a voice to increase empathy and advocate for changes that support movement out of poverty and homelessness.
“It was something I thought could help raise our awareness … which it has … Whether it’s affordable housing or homelessness, these are all things that cities are dealing with.”
“The workshop was phenomenal! We don’t often have the chance to be on the other side of things. I will not forget how this workshop impacted me, especially when making decisions on behalf of people and communities going forward.”
For this Poverty Immersion to be successful, we need at least 40 attendees and 17-20 volunteers. We hope to have you join us for this valuable experience.
For further questions, please contact events@councilforthehomeless.org.
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