This tool uses a physical demonstration to illustrate wealth and opportunity disparities within a community. Twelve volunteers represent various community members with different socio-economic backgrounds. They take steps forward based on their ability to afford certain items or experiences (e.g., balanced meals, medical treatment, education, holidays). The exercise visually represents wealth classes (rich, better off, poor, very poor) and prompts reflection on how environmental factors like poor roads affect daily life and access to opportunities.

12 volunteers act as different community members. They step forward if they can afford certain things, showing differences in wealth and opportunities. At the end, their steps reveal who is rich, better off, poor, or very poor — helping everyone see inequality in the community.

I saw that the Take a Step role play helped 24 students clearly see how money, resources, and poor roads create unfair differences in daily life. Some students moved forward easily, while others stayed stuck — just like many feel trapped by poverty and bad roads to school.

1. Inequality affects all life areas.
2. Family, health, gender, and income shape futures.
3. Empathy grew by seeing others’ struggles.
4. Vulnerable people need specific help.
5. Hidden emotional burdens must be addressed.
6. Bad roads worsen stress and exclusion.
7. Poverty and stigma limit progress.
8. Breaking cycles needs unity and education.
9. Youth connect theory to real life when engaged.
10. The play sparked critical thinking and compassion.