Simulations & Activities

Understanding the Challenges of Central Iowans

Simulations and educational activities offer a powerful way to understand the challenges faced by some of our neighbors. These immersive experiences can be tailored for individuals or groups and can be conducted either online or in-person, depending on the activity. These activities bring awareness to issues like financial instability, food insecurity, and the realities of poverty.

individuals sorting food items

Virtual Simulation (30 Minutes)

Making Tough Choices

This ALICE  (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) interactive simulation highlights the struggles of the working poor in central Iowa. These individuals hold jobs but still struggle to make ends meet, often living paycheck to paycheck and facing financial crises. Nearly one-third of households in our community fit this description.

This online, clickable quiz-style simulation allows participants to navigate scenarios that impact financial stability. After completing the simulation, participants may gather for a group discussion and may repeat the activity to explore different outcomes. For an enhanced experience, we recommend scheduling a facilitated activity led by United Way of Central Iowa.

View the Simulation

Facilitated Simulations


These simulations and activities are a powerful way to engage with your team or community in understanding the pressing challenges faced by many in our community. To schedule a session or learn more, contact your UWCI representative or email Kristin Young, Corporate Engagement Officer, at kristin.young@unitedwaydm.org.

The simulations and activities listed below are only available for partners in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties in Iowa. 

  • DMARC Hunger Simulation


    • 45 minutes
    • In-person, virtual, or combined
    • Led by a UWCI representative through PowerPoint
    • Individuals learn and take on an identity of someone who is experiencing food insecurity
    • Hosted by UWCI in collaboration with DMARC

  • Skittles
    Activity


    • 20 minutes, with optional additional 10-15 minutes for discussion
    • In-person, virtual, or combined
    • Led by a UWCI representative through PowerPoint
    • Attendees are seated in groups of 6-10, each attendee has a bag of "skittles" that represent resources
    • Begins with a brief overview of United Way of Central Iowa and ALICE
    • Attendees will be facing real-life scenarios that either increase or decrease their resources
    • Activity includes central Iowa ALICE statistics, brings awareness to 211, and emphasizes the importance of addressing every element of the UNITED to THRIVE framework
    • UWCI provides materials

  • ALICE
    Simulation


    • 60 minutes
    • In-person or virtual
    • Led by a UWCI representative through PowerPoint
    • Attendees navigate a month of budgeting, confront real-life challenges, and make tough choices as a working ALICE family in central Iowa
    • Includes an overview of ALICE, emphasizes the importance of accessible resources, and wraps with a debrief
    • A calculator is recommended

Other Group Activities

Packing for Impact

Empower your team, align your philanthropic goals, and make a lasting difference in the community through our tailored volunteer opportunities. Through our Packing for Impact initiative, we help businesses align their philanthropic goals with meaningful volunteerism, creating a positive impact on the community while fostering engagement among employees.

Our Volunteer Engagement team works closely with companies to match their workforce with community needs, ensuring that you receive the necessary resources, skilled volunteers, and support to make a lasting difference. From team-building to brand elevation, our turnkey volunteer experiences are designed to address the unique needs of central Iowa.

Learn More
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