Virtual Poverty Simulation Resource Guide

Think of the situations you experienced during the simulation and the feelings they brought out in you. Make a promise to yourself that you are going to take action—not just for an hour, but every day.

• Reflect on your personal connection to poverty-related issues.
• Set an intention or goal to take action (e.g., volunteer monthly, write a letter, join a student group).
• Create a Commitment Card to make your goal visible, specific, and actionable. It serves as a personal reminder of what you want to achieve and why it matters.

The first step in ending poverty is talking about poverty.

• Share your experience with family, friends, and classmates.
• Create a short presentation or infographic using UAB Library databases and statistics.
• Offer to speak to a student organization, campus event, or school group.
• Partner with Alabama Possible to access resources or schedule a talk.

Resources:

• Alabama Possible
• Alabama Arise
• Institute for Research on Poverty:
• Poor People’s Campaign

Poverty is everywhere, including the city or town where you live. Find out what you can do to help—and do it.

Consider working with one of these organizations:

• UAB Office of Service Learning
• UAB Institute for Human Rights
• Hands On Birmingham

Writing letters demonstrates that when people with a common purpose combine their skills and energies, the results are magnified.

• Write to local, state, or national leaders about poverty-related policy.
• Submit an op-ed or blog post to a campus or community publication.
• Use the simulation and your research as evidence in persuasive writing project for one of your courses.

Getting started:

• Find your state and federal representatives: Alabama Legislative Contacts
• Templates and tips for advocacy:
  • Principles of Advocacy - Community Toolbox
  • Psychologist's Guide to Advocacy - American Psychological Association
  • A Student Advocate’s Guide to Sustaining a Movement Through Self-Care - Swipe Out Hunger

Make it a habit to meet people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Doing so builds understanding and relationships across class lines.

• Attend UAB forums or community events on social justice and inequality
• Join student groups that prioritize service, diversity, and inclusion
• Read and discuss books or podcasts about class and economic diversity

Suggested activity: Write a note to your future self. What is one concrete thing you will do this semester to address poverty?