SOWK 101

POVERTY REFLECTION PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS

The student will complete a two part Poverty Reflection Project consisting of five journal entries (one per day) and a 4-5 page written reflection about the experience for a total of 9-10 pages utilizing the textbooks and Bible as reference points. This assesses Measurable Learning Outcomes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

The Poverty Reflection Project will begin Wednesday when you wake in the morning and conclude at Midnight on Sunday. This project is to occur within the context of your daily life. For example, you are not to go away and be a ‘hermit’ for 5 days.

The rules are:

a. Spending is limited to $4.00 per day (for everything including food). You will need to consider what you eat and what it would cost at the grocery store even if you bought the food previously. For instance if you have apples in the refrigerator and you choose to eat one, calculate the cost of the apple.

b. Never put your health or safety at risk! If you have health issues, please take care of your needs and document this in your journal. Please do not sleep outside like Mike Yankoski.

c. Transportation for work, the care of someone else such as children or parents, or school free. If someone else drives, transportation is $0.50 each way. Going to the mall or anything recreational costs $0.75 each way.

d. Walking is free. You may not drive except for work, education, or caregiving situations if necessary.

e. No social media, Netflix, or use of media such as Amazon, Roku, etc.

f. No cheating by relying on friends or family to pay for you. Friends treating you is cheating even when they offer.

g. No hoarding (saving up from day to day).

h. Educational and work use of computer/phone is accepted. Avoid use of technology for communication.

Part One – Keep a daily journal (1 page) of:

Day’s expenses/ Description of events. Be honest about rule adherence.

Reflection: your feelings and thoughts.

Part Two – Write a 4 to 5 paper including the following information:

Write a minimum 4-page paper to answer the questions:

What were your expectations going into this experience?

Discuss the inconvenience and uncomfortableness of this experience.

Discuss how your experience was different then someone, who lives in daily poverty.

Discuss your feelings about the way you spent your money this week.

Discuss the reaction of others and the impact it had on you.

What were some things about poverty you learned/experienced that affected you?

Compare your findings with those of Mike Yankoski.

How does poverty influence one’s self-image, attitude, social functioning, etc.? When answering this question, refer to Under the Overpass, class discussions, your experience, etc. Included citations from Under the Overpass.

How did poverty influence your self-image, attitude, social functioning, etc.?

Deuteronomy 15:11 commands us to be open handed to the poor. How can you do that?

Discuss how your poverty experience was different then some immigrants arriving in the U.S unable to speak English.

Discuss the impact this assignment may/will have on your life.

Length Requirement
: a minimum of 1-page per day journal entry and a minimum 4-page paper answering the questions above. Submit the paper in double-spaced 12 point Times New Roman font.

Other ways to make this assignment more realistic…..

· Chose a limited amount of clothing you could wear for the length of the assignment. (For instance: one pair of pants and two shirts, etc.)

· Do not wear makeup, use hair products, etc.

This assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 3.

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