On November 19, the current West Des Moines Leadership Academy benefited from a unique learning experience courtesy of Catholic Charities. 

During this session, which focused on non-profit participation and understanding poverty, the class went through Catholic Charities' thought-provoking poverty simulation. The simulation is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. Participants assume the roles of families facing various stages of poverty either with or without earned income or financial assistance. Each simulated family is tasked  to arrange for basic necessities and shelter during the course of four 15-minute weeks. Class member feedback included the following:

• The simulation was great. It changed the way I look at people in general and the struggles we all go through. It really took down my wall of how I view people.
• The simulation has a direct relation to my current workplace.
• It provided perspective on the challenges of being poor and changed my opinion on people struggling.
• I can definitely apply what I learned and it certainly affects how I will spend my time volunteering. I think it was an excellent exercise and one that all people should consider going through.

Thanks to Catholic Charities for facilitating this experience for the Academy once again.

Prior to the simulation, the class enjoyed a short presentation from Dan Raedeker, Community Investment Associate with the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation. Dan discussed the foundation's efforts to grow philanthropy in Greater Des Moines and provided suggestions for class members interested in boosting their involvement in the community. He directed that successful nonprofit board members understand the best practices of nonprofits, have a passion for the work of the nonprofit they represent and serve, and take time to understand and evaluate their role so that they remain engaged. An ideal board member commits to attend meetings, helps to articulate and promote the mission of the nonprofit, and continuously shares their experience and expertise in ways that are valuable to the group.

Academy members then had the opportunity to visit with several local organizations and find out more about their needs and priorities in the Greater Des Moines area. The goal of this portion of the class was to help class members think more strategically about their role in the community and connect them to board membership or volunteer opportunities that abound in our area.

Amy Seidelman, Class of 2009 and Board Member, Curriculum Committee Chair

Photo Gallery

City Council Candidate Forum November 1st at WDM City Hall.

Rush Hour at Iowa Network Services on November 2nd. Thanks for showing us around INS and telling us what all you have to offer.

New View Luncheon with speaker Gene Meyer, Greater Des Moines Partnership on Capital Crossroads. Non-profit Lutheran Services of Iowa. 

Ribbon Cutting at Menchie's Frozen yogurt. Located at 4825 EP True Parkway in West Des Moines try out all their fun flavors and toppings. 

West Des Moines Business Incubator 1 year anniversary party! Located at 2829 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. 

November Luncheon, ornaments from Human Services for Children in need. If you are coming to the December Luncheon don't forget your gift or you can donate an unwrapped gift that day.