The Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS) is preparing for the Fall 2026 Life in the State of Poverty Simulation, and we invite members of the JMU community to volunteer for this impactful educational experience. Sign up to volunteer for the 2026 Poverty Simulation workshops.
Simulation Dates
The Life in the State of Poverty Simulation will be held on:
- October 26, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Festival Hall Grand Ballroom
- October 27, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Festival Hall Grand Ballroom
- October 28, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Festival Hall Grand Ballroom
Volunteer Orientation
All volunteers are expected to attend a 45-minute orientation immediately before each simulation session in the Festival Hall Grand Ballroom at JMU.
First-time volunteers will also be invited to participate in an online orientation before the event to learn about the simulation's goals, expectations, and volunteer roles.
About the Simulation
The Life in the State of Poverty Simulation, hosted by the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS), is an experiential learning program developed by the Reform Organization of Welfare Education Association of Missouri (ROWEL). The simulation is designed to help health and human services students better understand the realities faced by individuals and families experiencing poverty, while emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary approaches to addressing complex social challenges.
During the simulation, students are assigned family roles and must navigate the challenges of providing food, housing, transportation, and other necessities over the course of a simulated month. The month is divided into four 15-minute "weeks." Through this experience, participants gain insight into the confusion, frustration, exhaustion, and difficult decisions often faced by families living with limited financial resources.
Volunteer Opportunities
Nearly 30 volunteer positions are needed for each simulation session.
Volunteers serve in scripted roles representing community organizations, agencies, and service providers that interact with participating families throughout the simulation. These roles are essential to creating a realistic and meaningful learning experience for students.
Community Service Leave
Participation in the Poverty Simulation may qualify as up to four hours of Community Service Leave per day for full-time classified employees. Please consult with your supervisor to determine whether your participation is eligible.
How to Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the RSVP form by October 9, 2026 so we can contact you with additional details about your assigned role.
For questions, late inquiries after October 9, or more information about volunteering, please contact: Vesna Hart, Associate Director, Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary Education and Programs
Learn More
Visit the IIHHS workshop page for additional information: IIHHS Life in the State of Poverty Simulation.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support an important interdisciplinary learning experience for JMU students. Your participation helps make this transformative educational event possible.
