For Kit Licensees - Poverty Simulation

Facilitator Training

The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) is an interactive, immersive experience that gives participants a glimpse into the structural barriers facing individuals living on low-income. We offer both in-person and virtual Community Action Poverty Simulation facilitator training.

In-person training opportunities equip attendees with the skills to host their own CAPS Poverty Simulations including planning, facilitating, and debriefing the training. All attendees become certified CAPS Facilitators following an in-person training.

In-Person Facilitator Training – Stay tuned! We are finalizing our 2024 in-person training schedule. We expect to host an in-person training in July 2024 and October 2024.

Virtual Training – April 26, 2024: This 1-day virtual training has the benefits of an in-person training without the need for travel. You will not experience the simulation, however you will receive high-quality training to prepare for your next in-person simulation. When you attend the virtual training, you will be ready to facilitate successful in-person poverty simulations for your organization. For this reason, we invite individuals who have previously experienced a Poverty Simulation and/or who have previous Poverty Simulation facilitator experience to attend this virtual event. – REGISTER HERE.

Check back for more training dates and locations. For more information, contact povertysimulation@communityaction.org.

Poverty Simulation Brochure

Customize this brochure to your organization to promote your Poverty Simulation event.

Download the Brochure

Share Your Testimonial

How has your organization utilized the Poverty Simulation kit? Share your experience with us to help launch this powerful advocacy and awareness tool worldwide.

Share Your Testimonial

FAQ

I just got the kit in the mail. It’s huge! Where do I start?

In your kit, there is a Directors Manual that will have everything you need to get started. In it you will find a planning guide, detailed instructions, as well as a script to conduct the simulation. Also, our staff would be happy to assist you in any in-depth questions that you may have. Please email questions to: povertysimulation@communityaction.org

Will you come and do my poverty simulation for me?

We are glad to discuss options that are available for your poverty simulation. Please contact povertysimulation@communityaction.org for more information

How long does the simulation take? (for facilitators)

The experience lasts from four to six plus hours depending on who is putting on the simulation and what outcomes you want to achieve. It includes set up, volunteer orientation, participant registration, an introduction and briefing, the actual simulation exercise, the debriefing period in which participants and volunteer staffers share their feelings and experiences and talk about what they have learned about the lives of people in poverty and clean-up.

Who should we use as volunteers for the resource stations?

We highly recommend that you include low-income individuals as part of the volunteers at the resource stations. This empowers people to tell their story and act as the teachers of the participants about the realities of their own life. If you do recruit low income representatives to work in those roles, we suggest offering a small stipend and a meal.

How far in advance should I prepare for the simulation?

We recommend when you are organizing your first simulation to budget around 6 weeks to prepare. In your kit you will receive a detailed planning guide to assist you in the process. As you continue to put on simulations this prep time will greatly reduce.

Am I able to make changes to the simulation?

We encourage you to make the kit relevant to your community. The best way to do this, and to not violate your license agreement, is when you are introducing the simulation or during the debrief portion to bring up the realities of your community. However, some groups do want to make modifications to the kit and we would be happy to discuss these further with you. Please email povertysimulation@communityaction.org with any questions or ideas.

Do you train people to use the kit?

Yes, we offer three CAPS Facilitator Trainings in Missouri throughout the year. Typically in the fall in St. Louis, the spring in Kansas City, and the summer in Springfield. Check above for upcoming training dates. We also offer the training onsite at your worksite for groups of 20 or larger. If you would like to learn more about this option, please contact povertysimulation@communityaction.org. In addition to our onsite and Missouri trainings, we also offer a virtual training. If you would like to learn more about this option, please contact povertysimulation@communityaction.org

A piece of the kit went missing after my last simulation, what do I do?

A USB that contains PDF files of all materials so lost/damaged items can be reprinted is included in the kit. We highly recommend that when you receive the kit you download those files onto your computer or onto a shared company folder so you have access to them in the future. If you have misplaced that USB please contact povertysimulation@communityaction.org for a replacement. We charge $50 + shipping for all USB replacements. If you are missing props (baby doll, money, etc.) feel free to replace with generic products that can be found at dollar stores, Amazon, or eBay.

I am unable to make any of the upcoming facilitator trainings. Are you able to come to me and put on a training?

We would be happy to discuss options that are available for onsite or virtual Community Action Poverty Simulation Facilitation Training. Please contact povertysimulation@communityaction.org for more information.

Is there a way to connect with other kit licensees and facilitators?

Yes! We have a Facebook page and a LinkedIn group. Current kit licensees and facilitators connect to strategize and share tips and tricks with the LinkedIn group. Scroll down to see the links and sign up!

Are there other kits in my state?

We have kits all 50 states in the United States! Plus most Canadian providences as well as Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Colombia, and New Zealand! If you are looking at connecting with other kit licensees in your state please contact povertysimulation@communityaction.org for a list.