1. P o v e r t y S i m u l a t i o n Jennie Tullos, Elizabeth McPhail, and Kyle Van Dusen

2. What do you know about poverty? Are there stereotypes? Where do these ideas come from? What class do you consider yourself in?

3. What do you know about poverty? Multiple Choice Most min. wage jobs are held by: a. Men b. Women c. teens d. Pretty evenly split Most people on welfare are: a. Single mothers b. Children c. The elderly The number of children currently living in poverty: a. 2 million b. 5 million c. 13 million d. 20 million True/False Having any job is better than no job at all. If you are a single parent with 2 children, you can support your family making federal min. wage. People are poor because they want to be.

4. Defining Poverty Models of Poverty Relative Poverty: deprivation relative to the standard of living of others members of the society- basic needs may be met, but the person/family may still be considered “poor” if they have fewer resources, opportunities, or goods Absolute Poverty: severe deprivation from basic human needs (food, safe water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, information)

5. Defining Poverty Types of Poverty Generational Poverty: people living in poverty for two or more generations (75% of the people living in poverty are living in generational poverty) Situational Poverty: people living in poverty for a short time (unemployment, chronic illness, disability, divorce, or death of a family member)

6. Defining Poverty Poverty is a lack of resources with regards to: o Financial: Money to purchase goods and services as well as assets like credit, property, and equity. o Emotional: The ability to control emotions, especially in stressful situations without engaging in self- destructive behaviors o Mental: The capability to process information, evaluate situations, and make decisions o Social Capital: Friends, family, or backup resources that are accessible in times of need o Role Models: Access to adults who are nurturing and do not engage in self- destructive behaviors (mentors)

7. Orshansky’s Poverty Threshold Total yearly Income Threshold = $11,201

8. Poverty in Nebraska FremontNebraska Children below poverty level 12.3%14.5% Poverty rate among people who did not graduate high school not in families: 33.2%35.7% Residents with income below the poverty level in 2007 10%11.2% Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2007 3.2%4.8%

9. Start the Simulation Step 1: Draw Cards-Family Situation, Occupation, Child(ren) Step 2: Pick Housing and Transportation Step 3: Calculate Food Cost and Utilities Step 4: Budget –Month One, Month Two, Crisis

10. Potential Food Cost Grid Based on USDA standards for 3 healthy meals a day.

11. Final Discussion  What did you learn about poverty? Where you surprised by anything?  Were these situations realistic to you? Why or Why not?  How can you make a difference for low-income people that you may encounter in your life?  Who are some agencies or programs who serve low- income families?

12. Final Discussion o The goal of this activity is to provide an introduction to the situation of poverty- it is not a “how to” o We covered a segment of budgeting but there are many other life-skills one learns when living in poverty o It can take years to learn these skills o We encourage you to further investigate poverty in your community, especially as it relates to you and those you serve