Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Walk a mile in my shoes is the theme of the ROWEL Poverty Simulation that ISU Extension has been conducting since 1995 yet many service providers in dealing with citizens in poverty don't know what it's like to be in poverty.

Response:
ISU Extension field specialist in cooperation with various Black Hawk County schools, agencies, and businesses conducted six poverty simulations between September 2008 and May 2009 using the ROWEL poverty simulation kit. Madelyn Ridgeway and Jill Weber worked with the following agencies, businesses and schools to offer poverty simulations to it's workers, students and other citizens of Black Hawk County and the surrounding areas. Allen College School of Nursing (2 simulations) Iowa Community Credit Union, Veridian Credit Union Management, Pathways Behavioral , United Way Leadership Program. Over 250 participants and 50 community volunteers experienced what it is like to for someone in poverty many of whom they service everyday in their jobs and careers.

Impact:
In a pre/post evaluation given to all participants and volunteers 100% showed increase in understanding of the financial stress and difficulties facing low-income individuals they come in contact with on a daily basis. 95% of individuals surveyed indicated increasing their knowledge of the financial pressures faced by low-income families in meeting basic needs, the difficult choices people with low-resources need to make each month when stretching limited resources,and the difficulties in improving one's situation and becoming self-sufficient on a limited budget from little or moderate to quite a bit. Reactions from participants include: "This is a very useful tool- each family is different. To know what tribulations a person faces in a day would help" "Excellent!! This should be done in high schools & colleges across the nation" "Its an amazing way to let people see the frustration who would otherwise not ever know waht it feels like" "I believe this is a good activity and should be implemented especially within for profit arenas"

Contact
Madelyn Ridgeway
Black Hawk County Extension
3420 University Ave., Ste B
Waterloo, IA 50701
319-234-6811

Jill Weber
Black Hawk County Extension
3420 University Avenue, Suite B
Waterloo, Iowa 50701
319-234-6811