Playing “Budget Hero”, the Video Game!

Playing “Budget Hero”, the Video Game!
25 Sep, 2012










Are you and your staff  'Budget Heros' when it comes to grants? 

I work with people who love to DO their work. These are passionate, take-charge, capable leaders who become wide eyed and immobile we start to discuss the impact of the federal budget on their organization.

 

It can be overwhelming when we try to consider how changes to a budget of  $3.8 trillion, with nearly a $1 trillion gap in debt, could impact a single organization?   Relatively minute changes in spending can drastically alter your government agency or nonprofit either through the impact on their clients or through direct funding.  In fact, many nonprofit organizations that I work with have shied away from federal grants out of fear that they will build a program with a grant only to have the funds cut before the program is sustainable. (We'll save that phobia for another post.)

You can solve our nation's budget problems, or at lease understand them better. 

You can be a 'Budget Hero' with the latest edition of Budget Hero:Election Edition.The game puts you in the shoes of policymakers, allowing you to see both the intended and unintended consequences of their decisions.

Am I Really Suggesting that You Play a Video Game at WORK?

Billing itself as the "first ever fun federal budget experience" the Budget Heros game engages you in trying various combos of cuts and tax hikes. As you balance the consequences of each action you will find some of your favorite programs at the mercy of your budget cutting mouse.  You may want to encourage staff to play the game and then ask them what they learned about the federal budget and its impact on your clients and or your organization. Understanding the impact of federal budget decisions can help staff understand your funding streams and client resources. 

Is this an advocacy stunt?

No. The figures and projections are nonpartisan. The numbers are pulled directly from the Congressional Budget Office figures.  Using real numbers, the player will find that its nearly impossible to address the budget without making some tough decisions like cutting military spending and health care or raising taxes.  The game will put some hot button items in perspective.

Grab your Cape!

You Can Be a Budget Hero. Play Budget Hero: Election Edition. 

 

 

 










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