Virtual Poverty Awareness Experience

The 90-minute virtual program consists of three segments:

  • An overview of Crisis Assistance Ministry and its role in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community
  • An online simulation experience designed to invoke deeper understanding and empathy surrounding the realities of living with limited financial resources
  • A guided group discussion focused on sharing perspectives, understanding challenges, and discussing the collective action needed to create a better society for everyone
  • 10+ participants

Groups of ten or more who are interested in connecting with the complex issues surrounding poverty on a deeper, more personal level, but for whom an In-Person Poverty Simulation is not feasible, can now participate in a Virtual Poverty Awareness Experience.

Facilitated by a member of the Crisis Assistance Ministry team, this highly interactive session is fully virtual, with each participant logging in remotely from their laptop or other device. Everyone is asked to participate with their camera on and be prepared to engage in honest conversation.

The presence of Customer Advocates greatly enriches the session, and they participate whenever possible. The Advocates are former customers of Crisis Assistance Ministry who are specially trained to be passionate and empowered voices for themselves and others in the community who are often overlooked.

The experience is designed for adult learners who live or work in Mecklenburg County. It is conducted via teleconference and can be customized for corporate groups, higher education curricula, houses of worship, and more.

Virtual poverty simulations can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more. To discuss how this experience could benefit your group, please contact our Community Engagement team directly.

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