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How to Choose a Policy Circle Brief

Informative Guides to Navigate Policies & Seek Solutions

Most circles meet every other month with a break in the summer -- essentially 5 conversations a year. The Policy Circle Briefs are organized into a series of conversations for your convenience. Some circles focus their year of conversations on a specific theme, others explore a new theme at each meeting based on the interest of the members, current events, or issues in their states.

No matter the subjects you and your Circle explore, what really matters is gaining a better understanding and perspective on the policies that will have a big impact on the future of our country.

Personal Finance Series

Designed for circles interested in how public policy impacts each individual and family’s wallet and ability to be self-sufficient. Choose five from the list below.
In The Series:
Briefs: Financial Literacy Health Care Housing Safety Net Programs Taxes The Federal Debt
Deep Dives: Strategic Giving and Civic Engagement The Affordable Care Act

The 2023 Series

Designed for circles who want to prepare for elections by understanding the key topics that will be addressed by candidates. Choose five from the following list.
In The Series:
Briefs: Energy and the Environment Failing Grade: Literacy in America Free Speech Health Care Higher Education Reform Immigration Mental Health Rebuilding Trust in America The Armed Forces Veterans
Deep Dives: Government Accountability and Transparency Health Disparities and Determinants of Health Judicial Selection The Affordable Care Act Water and Power

The Active Citizenship Series

Designed for circles interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the U.S. government as a path to active citizenship. Choose five from the list below.
In The Series:
Briefs: Civic Engagement Election Processes and Innovations Free Speech The Executive Branch The Judicial Branch The U.S. Constitution The U.S. House of Representatives The U.S. Senate
Deep Dives: Campaign Finance Deep Dive Judicial Selection Strategic Giving and Civic Engagement The Active Voter Guide The Decennial Census The Electoral College Deep Dive

The Business Series

Designed for circles interested in understanding the impact of public policy on how their local community thrives and provides opportunity for its residents. Choose five from the list below.
In The Series:
Briefs: Free Enterprise and Economic Freedom Government Regulation Taxes
Deep Dives: Antitrust: Balancing Competition and Innovation The Creative Economy Trade and Tariffs

The Community Series

Designed for circles interested in understanding the impact of public policy on how their local community thrives and provides opportunity for its residents. Choose five from the list below.
In The Series:
Briefs: Aging in the 21st Century Education: K-12 Housing Poverty Rebuilding Trust in America Stitching the Fabric of Neighborhoods The Opioid Epidemic Understanding Law Enforcement
Deep Dives: Government, Community, and Sports Teams: Tax Credits Migration Between States Responding to Refugee Crises Schools in Communities

The Foundational Series

Many circles begin their first year by selecting the theme: The Foundational Series. The Policy Circle suggests using Free Enterprise or Civic Engagement brief at your first meeting as both are foundational for understanding our system of government.
In The Series:
Briefs: Civic Engagement Free Enterprise and Economic Freedom Introduction to The Policy Circle The Armed Forces The Executive Branch The Federal Debt The U.S. Constitution Veterans

The World View Series

Designed for circles interested in understanding the U.S.’s policy abroad, international approaches to policy issues, and the interconnectivity of nations in a world economy. Choose five from the following list:
In The Series:
Briefs: China and the Risk to our Daily Lives Foreign Policy: Asia Pacific Foreign Policy: The Middle East Human Trafficking Immigration Socialism
Deep Dives: Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Responding to Refugee Crises Socialism: A Case Study on Venezuela Terror Groups and Rogue States