Loose Leaf Notes

 – The following appeared in The Floyd Press in two parts, on October 24 and the 31st.

“This is not a game,” said Dawn Barnes, the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) coordinator who led a Poverty Simulation training at the Floyd EcoVillage on Sunday.  “13.5% of the Floyd population is living in poverty, according to a 2011 statistic,” she continued. 

Barnes, who has been leading the trainings on and off for nearly two decades, described the interactive role play and kit materials to participating attendees, consisting of Radford University’s (RU) Social Work professor Dr. Kerry Vandergrift, RU social work students, members of local human services organizations and community members.   

The simulation is a tool that can provide participants with insight into what it’s like to walk in the shoes of someone experiencing the stress of living in poverty.  It was hosted by the Floyd Multi-Disciplinary (MD) Team, a non-profit group of individuals representing agencies and organizations engaged in community health planning for vulnerable children and adults.

The event format was divided into four 15 minute weeks, in which participants assumed the identities of low income individuals or family members that had to access services, pay bills, obtain transport passes and more.  Family homes were represented by a circle of four chairs and were surrounded by community resource stations – a bank, an employer, a social services office, a pawn shop, a church shelter, a grocery store, a jail and more.  Stations were staffed by volunteers portraying community workers. 

Participants were assigned varying amounts of resources and had to balance them with living expenses.  Some participants were employed and others were laid off.  Michele Morris assumed the role of an 82-year-old senior citizen who was initially homeless.  By accessing the right services, she was able to receive a housing voucher, but was targeted by a participant who was playing the role of a criminal intent on gaining her possessions, under the guise of helping her.  

Some played the roles of children going to school.  Five dollars for a field trip had to be incorporated into the family’s existing budget.  One truant teenager was eventually approached by a school teacher participant who helped her access an after school job, which changed the trajectory of her simulation. 

A debriefing at the end of the simulation gave participants an opportunity to give feedback about their experiences.  Elaine Martinez, who staffed the community health care station, said she had no business throughout the simulation. “Nobody pays for health care when they are poor.”

One participant said that being sick was part of her fictional scenario but that she was so busy trying to provide the necessities of life before the whistle blew (representing the end of one day and start of another) that she did not seek help.  “There was no time!”

Ann Shank, who assumed the role of a social worker, spoke of her frustration at having to pass some people on to other agencies.  “I was frustrated by how little I could offer when more substantial help was needed,” she said.  Another social work participant said she was amazed by the survival instincts of the players and their perseverance to continue trying to get by with so little. 

During a follow-up dialogue participants explored what currently needs to be addressed in the county.   “Money is shrinking daily with budget cuts. Every year our program is on the chopping block,” said a New River Community Action (NRCA) worker.  

Another NRCA worker said that money was needed to provide food, heat and rent, or to put someone up in a hotel in emergency situations.  “We’re very low on food right now and are worried because the holidays are coming up,” she said. 

“If you belong to a church, bring your church members to this conversation,” suggested one participant. 

Floyd’s Economic Development Director Lydeana Martin, who assumed the role of a childcare worker for the simulation, spoke of the need for more training and job opportunities, noting that wages earned by those who work inside the county continue to be among the lowest in the state.

Someone described the training as “eye-opening.” Another said it cultivated her sense of empathy for others and made her feel grateful for what she has.  “I think this workshop should be required for every freshman member of Congress,” said Mark Schonbeck, a sustainable agriculture consultant who noted that there was enough land in the country to grow food for everyone.

“Start the conversation from where we all agree,” said MD team member Kamala Bauers.  “Should every child in Floyd have enough to eat?  I think we can agree on that.” Bauers added that she believes the problem is solvable in Floyd “because the county is small enough to have relationships.  In a larger setting it’s hard to make those personal connections.” 

Barnes, the simulation facilitator, concluded the training by thanking everyone for coming and saying, “I hope the experience will be a motivation in making a difference.”

Attendees were invited to share a meal of beans, coleslaw and cornbread. Participating groups received a gift of $1,000 towards their programs, given by an anonymous donor.  “There will be more dialogues like this at the EcoVillage,” said EcoVillage co-founder, Bauers.