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. Available exclusively for our partners in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties in Iowa, these activities bring awareness to issues like financial instability, food insecurity, and the realities of poverty.

individuals sorting food items

Alice Simulation (30 Minutes)

Making Tough Choices

The ALICE  (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) 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 virtual, clickable quiz-style simulation allows participants to navigate scenarios that impact financial stability. After completing the simulation, participants 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.

To schedule the ALICE Simulation, please contact your UWCI representative or email Kristin Young, Corporate Engagement Officer, at kristin.young@unitedwaydm.org.

View the Simulation

Additional Simulations Available Upon Request


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 or virtual
    • This is PowerPoint based and works well for a virtual audience. Individuals learn and take on an identity of someone who is experiencing food insecurity.
    • This simulation will be hosted by UWCI in collaboration with DMARC.

  • Skittles
    Activity


    • 30 minutes 
    • This activity divides up attendees into groups of 10.
    • Each are given a bag of candies and must draw a card that has various scenarios on them. Based on the card's prompt, they must lose or gain candies. Once your candies have run out, you must leave the group.
    • Activity runs about 15 minutes with a short debrief after.

  • Poverty
    Simulation

    Small Group – In-Person (60 minutes)

    • Groups of 4-5 work together to navigate daily life scenarios, balancing assets and expenses
    • Full group debrief at the end

    Large Group – Virtual (60 minutes)

    • PowerPoint-driven session with individual participation
    • Participants use a calculator, pen, and paper (or Word/Excel)
    • Interaction through chat and verbal discussion
    • Full group reflection and discussion at the end