Circles USA is now accepting applications for our second cohort of the Advisory Council. Circles USA’s Board Advisory Council exists to create a space for dialogue between the National Board and active Circles community members.
Who: Advisory Council members must be active participants in a Circles chapter. Ideally, members of the Advisory Council will reflect Circles USA’s diversity in many ways:
Chapter Role: Circle Leader, Ally, Volunteer, Coach, Coordinator, Executive Director, Community Partner, etc.
Chapter Partner Organization: faith-based partners, government-based chapters, independent chapters
Chapter Geography: rural chapters, urban chapters, geographic distribution
Chapter Longevity: new chapters, veteran chapters
Personal diversity: ethnicity, age, background, gender, sexuality, religion, lived experience of poverty, and political views
What: Past discussion topics include:
Reviewing data and considering the Circles model’s impact and long-term strategies for improvement
Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
Pursuing systemic change through the Big View
Reviewing and providing feedback on updated organizational mission statement
Where and When:
Advisory Council meetings take place via Zoom
Meetings will be the second Monday of each month at 3pm ET /2pm CT /1pm MT /NoonPT, for 90 minutes
The commitment is one year, from January to December 2025.
Why: The Board wishes to hear first-hand from chapter members in an effort to inform decisions about the future of Circles USA. The Board’s intent is for the Council to be a comfortable way for members of the Circles network to contribute, learn, and gain insight into leadership at the national level.
Notes:
The Board Advisory Council is not a line of communication to the Circles USA national staff. If you have ideas for operational improvement, a specific question, or an issue with your chapter, please speak with your regional coach or someone at the national office.
This is a volunteer Council. In honor of participation, each member will receive one registration to the next CUSA Conference and a dinner with the Circles National Board. Circles USA cannot provide a stipend/honorarium to avoid any perception that the Board is paying the Council to agree with them.
How to apply: Complete the application form here. Applications are due by January 3, 2025.
The 2025 Circles USA Advisory Council will be co-facilitated by board members Jennifer Pelling and Van Green.