Some people never see injustice in the world or even in
their daily lives. Perhaps it's because there is lack of education or
understanding on how to recognize it? Or maybe it's because we can become too
focused on our own lives? It's when we become inwardly focused on our own lives
a blind spot is created to what's going on in our community, country, and
around the world. It seems as though there is a natural predisposition not to
see anything we don't want to, aren't expecting, or can't explain.
Or perhaps it's an attitude of injustice is somebody
else's problem? Injustice can be ignored because it's not our
problem? Or we hold this belief that someone else will handle it, we don't need
to get personally involved.
What if you found yourself not being able to ignore the
injustice, oppression, and marginalization that people in our community, in country, and around the world face? It is my belief that awareness is the first
step towards justice. It is once we become aware of injustice that we can
never again say "I did not know".
This Saturday, October 11th from 8:30a - 12:00p, Faith CommunityUnited Methodist Church is offering an eye opening experience - poverty
simulation that works to educate and leave a lasting impression. Partnering
with Ohio Association of Food Banks, this simulation engages participants by assuming
a "role" in a family that is facing a variety of challenging, but
typical circumstances. Some are homeless, others have become unemployed, and
some are suddenly faced with the responsibility of raising grandchildren. You
will work in a group ("family") navigating life working to secure
food, shelter, and other basic necessities by accessing the various resources
available.
If you ever questioned or found yourself judging what it is
like to live in poverty, then I would encourage you to come to this free event.
I had the opportunity to participate in this simulation experience a few years
ago and it has forever changed my understanding of the what it means to live in
poverty. I moved from someone who was only acutely aware of the injustice of
what it means to live in poverty - admittedly sometimes thinking that it was
somebody else's problem to having my eyes open that motivated me to work
towards social change. It was "experiencing" something that wasn't
comfortable, wasn't expecting, and can't fully explain that forced me out of my
inward focused, comfort zone to having a commitment to focus outwardly and be
aware of what is going on in the world around me.
For more information about this opportunity or to register
for this event - click here.
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