UNLOCK your LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL with CLER
The Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap (CLER) is an experiential, three-month, self-paced leadership program that guides you from having general civic knowledge to becoming a civic leader.
The three CLER courses, described in detail below, focus on different spheres of government and policy:
CLER 1.0
Founding Principles & Local Government
Spring Cohort Feb 1 – Apr 30
Summer Cohort Jun 1 – Aug 31
Fall Cohort Sep 1 – Nov 30
Application Deadline for Fall 2025: Aug 8
CLER 2.0
State & Federal Government
Spring Cohort Feb 1 – Apr 30
Summer Cohort Jun 1 – Aug 31
Completion of CLER 1.0 is a prerequisite for CLER 2.0.
CLER EDUCATION
Education Policy & School Boards
Spring Cohort Feb 1 – Apr 30
Fall Cohort Sep 1 – Nov 30
Application Deadline for Fall 2025: Aug 8
NOTABLE OUTCOMES
Strengthen Your Civic Knowledge: Gain a foundational understanding of local, state, and federal government systems, empowering you to actively participate and influence policy decisions in your community.
Gain Practical Leadership Skills: Develop targeted skills through one-on-one coaching, mastermind sessions, and real-world civic engagement activities tailored to your unique leadership goals.
Amplify Your Community Impact: Enhance your confidence and effectiveness when engaging with government officials, participating in public forums, and becoming a proactive leader.
Build Lifelong Connections: Join a network of passionate, like-minded women committed to free-market solutions, fostering relationships that inspire, challenge, and support your leadership journey.
250+
Graduates since 2020
1000+
Stories of Impact Generated from CLER Grads
120
CLER Grads Assumed Positions of Civic Leadership
62
CLER Grads Led Advocacy Efforts
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Whether you’re new to civic involvement or ready to take your existing leadership to the next level, CLER helps you take purposeful steps toward becoming a more engaged and effective leader. Through our proprietary curriculum, one-on-one coaching, mastermind peer groups, and networking opportunities, you will deepen your understanding of local, state, and federal systems while developing a curated skillset tailored to your leadership goals.
Rooted in free market principles and personal liberty, CLER emphasizes the importance of individual agency and the role that informed, empowered citizens play in shaping their communities. This program is perfect for women who share these values and are eager to take real steps toward greater community engagement. Whether you’re interested in understanding local government, education policy, or the inner workings of state and federal systems, CLER offers a tailored, 3-month approach to help you become a more impactful citizen and leader.
Thanks to the generosity of our partners, we’re able to strategically focus on including women from the military community and female entrepreneurs in our cohorts. Click below to explore more opportunities tailored for these inspiring women.
WHAT GRADUATES SAY
Anna Martina
CLER 1.0 & 2.0 GRAD
Because of CLER, I have a better understanding of the functions of my city council, know who to turn to first for potential issues I may face as a homeowner, and feel confident enough to participate publicly in a meeting in the future.
Christine Gilsinger
CLER 1.0 & 2.0 GRAD
CLER is an avenue to making connections and understanding the importance of teamwork in accomplishing any goal. I had to reach out to people in my circle and ask for help from those who had resources that I did not.
Courtney Scott
CLER 1.0 GRAD
CLER has further instilled in me the confidence to speak about policy, governance, and oversight.
Kim Scofi
CLER 1.0 GRAD
The knowledge I gained through TPC and CLER provided me with the confidence to ask the right questions and listen effectively.
Logan Nevonen
CLER 1.0 GRAD
CLER helped me take the next steps and gain the confidence to get more involved locally, and I am very grateful for this!
JOIN A SUPPORTIVE NETWORK OF WOMEN LEADERS
At the heart of CLER is the chance to connect with a supportive network of women from diverse backgrounds committed to civic engagement. Through coaching, peer group sessions, and networking with policy leaders, you’ll grow as a leader and build lasting relationships. As you share your unique perspectives, you’ll strengthen this community, which will continue to support you as you advance in your civic leadership journey.
CLER 1.0
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
& LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Deepen your understanding of the Constitution and broaden your knowledge of local government to enhance your civic engagement.
Constitutional Knowledge: Obtain a greater understanding and appreciation of the founding of our country, the U.S. Constitution, and governmental structure
Government Insights: Gain clarity on how your local government works, including local election processes
Strategic Relations: Build relationships with local elected officials and stakeholders
Leadership Clarity: Identify your unique areas of interest and learn how to best engage with your community at the local level.
After completing CLER 1.0, you’ll have a solid foundation in local government and clarity on your role as a change agent in your community.
CLER 1.0 is a three-month, self-paced course that includes two monthly virtual meetings and approximately six hours of monthly experiential engagement.
CLER 2.0
STATE & FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT
CLER 2.0 invites graduates of the first module of our CLER curriculum to the next level of civic engagement. Expand your knowledge of state and federal government, and learn how to engage stakeholders to increase your impact.
State Political Parties: Gain insight into the structure and values of state political parties, identifying key influencers within the party apparatus.
Legislative Process: Understand how bills are passed at the state level, with opportunities to influence legislation by building relationships with local legislators and providing testimony.
Executive Branch Engagement: Learn how the state executive branch operates, and discover pathways to participate in statewide boards and commissions.
Federal Legislative & Budget Overview: Obtain a foundational understanding of the federal legislative process and the workings of the federal budget.
Judicial System Insights: Develop an understanding of the state judiciary and its role in governance.
After completing CLER 2.0, you will be inspired to become more engaged at the state and federal level.
Spring Cohort Feb 1 – Apr 30
Summer Cohort Jun 1 – Aug 31
Participation in CLER 2.0 is by invitation only for graduates of CLER 1.0.
CLER EDUCATION
EDUCATION POLICY &
SCHOOL BOARDS
The CLER: Education program offers an interactive roadmap to engage with local education stakeholders. Designed for anyone passionate about education, it goes beyond hot-button issues to prepare you as a knowledgeable advocate, informed community member, and potential leader in education.
Student Advocacy: Learn how to effectively advocate for students within the educational system.
Federal and State Roles in Education: Understand the impact of federal and state boards on local school district policies.
District Accountability and Funding: Gain insights into how your school district measures success, is funded, and operates, including decision-making structures.
School Board Service: Explore the responsibilities and logistics of serving on a school board.
Educational Innovation: Discover potential innovations to enhance educational quality and outcomes for students.
After completing CLER: Education, you will be empowered with the tools and information you need to become an education advocate in your community and ensure that excellence in education is the top priority in your local school district.
CLER: Education is a stand-alone course with no prerequisites.
Spring Cohort Feb 1 – Apr 30
Fall Cohort Sep 1 – Nov 30
Application Deadline Aug 8
Spring Cohort Feb 1 – Apr 30
Summer Cohort Jun 1 – Aug 31
Fall Cohort Sep 1 – Nov 30
Application Deadline for Fall 2025: Aug 8
After completing CLER 1.0, you’ll have a solid foundation in local government and clarity on your role as a change agent in your community.
CLER 1.0
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
& LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Deepen your understanding of the Constitution and broaden your knowledge of local government to enhance your civic engagement.
Constitutional Knowledge: Obtain a greater understanding and appreciation of the founding of our country, the U.S. Constitution, and governmental structure
Government Insights: Gain clarity on how your local government works, including local election processes
Strategic Relations: Build relationships with local elected officials and stakeholders
Leadership Clarity: Identify your unique areas of interest and learn how to best engage with your community at the local level.
CLER 1.0 is a three-month, self-paced course that includes two monthly virtual meetings and approximately six hours of monthly experiential engagement.
CLER 2.0
Spring Cohort Feb 1 – Apr 30
Summer Cohort Jun 1 – Aug 31
After completing CLER 2.0, you will be inspired to become more engaged at the state and federal level.
Participation in CLER 2.0 is by invitation only for graduates of CLER 1.0.
CLER 2.0
STATE & FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT
CLER 2.0 invites graduates of the first module of our CLER curriculum to the next level of civic engagement. Expand your knowledge of state and federal government, and learn how to engage stakeholders to increase your impact.
State Political Parties: Gain insight into the structure and values of state political parties, identifying key influencers within the party apparatus.
Legislative Process: Understand how bills are passed at the state level, with opportunities to influence legislation by building relationships with local legislators and providing testimony.
Executive Branch Engagement: Learn how the state executive branch operates, and discover pathways to participate in statewide boards and commissions.
Federal Legislative & Budget Overview: Obtain a foundational understanding of the federal legislative process and the workings of the federal budget.
Judicial System Insights: Develop an understanding of the state judiciary and its role in governance.
CLER EDUCATION
Spring Cohort Feb 1 – Apr 30
Fall Cohort Sep 1 – Nov 30
Application Deadline for Fall 2025: Aug 8
After completing CLER: Education, you will be empowered with the tools and information you need to become an education advocate in your community and ensure that excellence in education is the top priority in your local school district.
CLER: Education is a stand-alone course with no prerequisites.
CLER EDUCATION
EDUCATION POLICY &
SCHOOL BOARDS
The CLER: Education program offers an interactive roadmap to engage with local education stakeholders. Designed for anyone passionate about education, it goes beyond hot-button issues to prepare you as a knowledgeable advocate, informed community member, and potential leader in education.
Student Advocacy: Learn how to effectively advocate for students within the educational system.
Federal and State Roles in Education: Understand the impact of federal and state boards on local school district policies.
District Accountability and Funding: Gain insights into how your school district measures success, is funded, and operates, including decision-making structures.
School Board Service: Explore the responsibilities and logistics of serving on a school board.
Educational Innovation: Discover potential innovations to enhance educational quality and outcomes for students.
STORIES of IMPACT
Advancing State Legislation
Anne Shane
CLER EDUCATION GRAD
Anne, a CLER: Education 2023 graduate, led efforts in Indiana to reform graduation waivers and improve student outcomes. Collaborating with colleagues and legislators, she helped craft legislation to limit excessive waivers—highlighting how some districts reported 90% graduation rates while up to 30% of students hadn’t earned a true diploma. Anne’s work strengthens accountability and raises educational standards, driving better outcomes for over 1 million Indiana students.
Advocating for Policy Change
Tonya Cariker
CLER 1.0 & 2.0 GRAD
Appointed to Military Board
Jessica Morera
CLER 1.0 GRAD
Jessica, a US Navy Commander nearing retirement, discovered The Policy Circle’s CLER program at the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium in July 2023. After completing CLER 1.0, she said, “I’m sharing my newfound knowledge with family, friends, and coworkers. Even long-time residents often have little understanding of how government works.” Through CLER, Jessica found her voice and was invited to apply for the Military Academy Selection Board. Her application was accepted in October 2023. Now, she’s considering a future run for city council, inspired by CLER and her military leadership experience.
Appointed to Task Force
Caroline Fermin
CLER 1.0 & 2.0 GRAD
Caroline, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, and a member of her local Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Military Enhancement Committee, joined a task force to repurpose a 1940s Naval Hospital facing closure. Appointed as an ex-officio member, she brought her 25 years of planning expertise from the US Marine Corps to the table. Now, with the committee’s vision to repurpose the property, thousands of citizens will benefit from it.
Elected County Commissioner
Kim Morley
CLER 1.0 GRAD
Kim, a CLER graduate and small business owner, grew up immersed in civic engagement. Her father, a councilman and mayor pro-tem, often discussed balancing personal beliefs with long-term community needs. Inspired by these early conversations, Kim served nine years on the school board and ran twice for State Representative. In 2024, she won a seat as County Commissioner.
Driven by a passion for service, Kim is committed to empowering others. “People often think they can’t make a difference, but you don’t need to be an expert—just willing to listen, learn, and act.”
Elected To School Board
Robin Littau
CLER 1.0 GRAD
Robin, a CLER graduate, met with her mayor for a course assignment and discovered an opportunity to run for school board. Encouraged by the mayor and driven by her passion as a parent, she entered the race—and won with over 60% of the vote.
Robin joined CLER to better understand government and expand her impact. “Self-confidence was my biggest obstacle, and The Policy Circle helped me overcome it,” she shared. With growing confidence and community support, Robin is ready to drive positive change in education.
Elected to Township Board
Jamee Lock
CLER GRAD
CLER graduate Jamee was inspired by the message at our 7th Annual Leadership Summit, “If not now, when? If not you, who?” After returning home to Indiana, she received notification of a special caucus for a position on her township board. She filed for candidacy and was sworn in soon after. Jamee understands the opportunity to be part of positive change in her community and works hard to come prepared and offer solutions. That commitment led her to find a solution to a months-long issue tied to redistricting fire departments. “My fresh eyes on the problem gave me a perspective that no one had thought about and they asked me to attend a fire district meeting in two days on behalf of our township to present our solution!”
Finding Policy Solutions
Shana Chaplin
CLER 1.0 GRAD
After reading and discussing Stitching the Fabric of Neighborhoods Policy Brief in CLER, Shana gained new insight into population shifts and homelessness in Arkansas. This led her to join the Homeless Village Advisory Committee, overseeing the state’s first tiny home village. “Homelessness wasn’t an issue I knew much about, but this experience has been eye-opening.”
Shana’s engagement focuses on ensuring the community feels heard. “Meeting with concerned residents has allowed me to seek consensus and model civil dialogue.” The advisory committee has since become the nonprofit Providence Park, where Shana now serves on the board.
Leading Grassroots Efforts
Sarah Norberg
CLER 1.0 GRAD, CALIFORNIA
Sarah Norberg joined CLER to strengthen her fight against a permanent sales tax increase, describing it as a “David versus Goliath” effort. Through the program, she gained valuable mentorship, expanded her network, and sought advice from fellow members. Despite limited resources and strong opposition, Sarah’s group defeated the tax measure with over 60% of the vote. Committed to protecting her hometown of 86,000 from rapid development and big-money interests, Sarah’s story highlights the power of grassroots leadership and civic engagement.
Received Gubernatorial Appointment
Lori High
CLER 1.0, 2.0, & EDUCATION GRAD
Lori hadn’t considered a state board appointment until a CLER assignment opened her eyes to the range of available positions. With a background as a nurse practitioner, she initially applied for health boards but found no openings. Through connections made at The Policy Circle, she received guidance from the governor’s appointments director and applied for a role with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. By Summer 2022, Lori was appointed, launching her into civic leadership. In recognition of her transformation from concerned citizen to civic leader, The Policy Circle honored Lori with the Civic Engagement Award at the Annual Leadership Summit.
Showing Up and Stepping into the Arena
Marjorie Eastman
CLER 1.0, 2.0, & EDUCATION GRAD
Marjorie is passionate about serving her community and her country. A combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Marjorie was the ideal candidate to connect the military community with The Policy Circle as our Leadership Fellow. To familiarize herself more with our organization, she enrolled in CLER. “CLER opened my eyes in a profoundly new way – the people who show up at the local level are the ones who make the decisions. Therefore, we MUST show up.” She applied to join her city’s Volunteer Advisory Board and now sits on the Economic Development Committee.
Standing Up for Local Communities
Jessica Karlsruher
CLER 1.0 GRAD
Jessica, Executive Director of a bipartisan advocacy group for Texas landowners, regularly engages with state officials to address citizens’ concerns. She recently spoke at a town hall of 400+ people opposing a wind energy project, which directly impacts her family ranch. CLER helped Jessica focus on local issues. “I hadn’t been involved locally before, but now I understand the importance of engaging—local officials control tax incentives and spending decisions that affect your community,” she said.
Testified at PA House Committee
Sharon Sedlar
CLER 1.0, 2.0, AND EDUCATION GRAD
Founder of PA Families for Education Choice, Sharon has advocated for parents’ rights to make educational decisions for their children since 2021. This fall, while a student in CLER 1.0, Sharon testified at the PA House Appropriations and Education Committee on school funding. Her comments emphasized the importance of choice, charters, collaboration, and cooperation. Sharon’s testimony could influence education funding decisions affecting the 1.7 million children in Pennslyvania. “I firmly believe that we need to work together to advance better policy on behalf of PA’s children. And I continue to stand by that, and with anyone who feels the same.”
FAQ
What is CLER?
The Policy Circle’s Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap (CLER) is a three-month, self-paced leadership program that allows you to develop a stronger foundation of civic knowledge and build pathways for civic leadership within your community. CLER is designed to inform, prepare, and propel aspiring and emerging women leaders.
What will I get out of CLER?
CLER features a proprietary curriculum, one-on-one coaching, engagement with peer groups, and networking opportunities to allow you to connect with local policy leaders and decision-makers in your community. You will walk away with deeper civic knowledge and a curated skillset tailored to the needs of your community and your civic leadership goals.
Who is CLER meant for?
CLER is designed for curious, civic-minded women from diverse backgrounds aged 18 or older who are looking to expand their impact through local engagement. The program embraces civic engagement rooted in free market principles and personal agency, with participants having aligned values in this philosophy.
Which CLER course is right for me?
There are currently three different CLER courses designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to empower your leadership journey:
- CLER 1.0: Founding Principles & Local Government is an opportunity to take a deep dive into your local government and build a foundational understanding of the U.S. Constitution and government structure.
- CLER 2.0: State & Federal Government (invite-only) is an opportunity to delve deeper into the workings of state political parties, how bills and legislation take shape, and the roles of the three branches of government on the national and local levels.
- CLER: Education is an opportunity to better understand the inner workings of your local school district, the role that the state and federal government play in shaping it, the details of serving on a school board, and more.
What is the time commitment?
CLER is a three-month self-paced course, which includes monthly virtual meetings, and a minimum of six hours of monthly activity, resulting in an estimated 18 hours of total engagement.
How much does it cost to participate?
The program participant fee for CLER is $300, which can be made as a one-time payment or spread out into three payments of $100. Payment must be initiated prior to the first meeting to be enrolled in the program. The Policy Circle wants CLER to remain accessible, so if you are unable to make this commitment, please contact Beth McQueen, The Policy Circle’s Membership Engagement Manager, at [email protected] to request an Award Application.
What are the prerequisites for each CLER course?
There are no prerequisites to participate in CLER 1.0: Founding Principles & Local Government or CLER: Education. Participation in CLER 2.0 is by invitation-only, and participants must have completed CLER 1.0 to be eligible for participation.
What is the withdrawal policy?
Once the CLER program has started, no refunds are given if there’s a need to withdraw. However, we understand that life happens, which might change your plans for finishing the CLER program. If extreme circumstances arise, we will work with you. We also allow you to postpone to a future cohort. If you need to withdraw or postpone, please reach out to us as soon as possible.