We asked Jane C to share her experience as a circle leader. Find out why she started a circle, what they are talking about, and why it has been transformational.
1) Tell us a little about yourself and why you started a circle.
The Policy Circle has given me hope.
Jane Campbell, co-leader of Libertas Circle in St. Louis.
I first learned of it through Angela Braly, who I’ve known and respected for nearly 20 years. After a close review of the Policy Circle I became convinced of the importance of the movement. Not only did I know it would enrich my life personally, I could see the larger picture of how engaged women could change the course of our communities and restore the personal freedoms and concept of Liberty that is the envy of the world. Together with my co-leader, we created “Libertas”, the first Policy Circle group in St. Louis, inviting women we knew to be thought leaders in the community.
2) How did you become a believer in what human creativity can accomplish in a free market economy?
I grew up in what you might call an “underserved area” in western New York where generational poverty is the norm. People who live there survive with a check from the state, one way or another. I knew at an early age that I wanted to find the American dream. Between studying political philosophy in college and following Jack Kemp’s free market movement I became convinced that the key to the American dream was not a check from the state, but the opportunities created by the free market. While living in Washington, DC for eight years after I left Buffalo, I quickly learned that I could control much of my destiny by working hard — I had the freedom to choose where I lived and for whom I worked. It was incredibly liberating to be in control of my future and not dependent on the state for my livelihood.
3) What’s your circle’s relationship with the free-market think tank in your state?
The Show Me Institute has been on the forefront of promoting policies that encourage free markets and personal liberty in Missouri. The Policy Circle formally connected our Circle with the Show Me Institute for state-level content and local events to attend. I couldn’t have asked for a better local partner; not only do our philosophies align, they have been incredibly responsive to any and every request for Missouri-specific economic data. I’ve also been able to leverage this resource to provide educational “field trips” for our circle members: whenever the Show Me Institute offers a speaker or program I include the event in our circle feed.
4) Any words of wisdom for New Circle Leaders?
For prospective leaders, I would recommend carefully considering the makeup of your founding circle members. The respectful exchange of diverse viewpoints is key to a meaningful conversation. Once your circle is established, start adding to your numbers in a way that will ensure your culture is preserved.
5) What’s your latest circle conversation?
We’ve tackled Poverty and Health Care. Next up is Civic Engagement. We plan to invite several prospective new circle leaders to this meeting and hope that the topic will stir up the desire to form additional circles.
6) What’s your favorite part about your circle meetings?
I was surprised how engaged all of our members have been, considering I had not really had previous policy conversations with them individually. We decided to try meeting over the lunch hour and that has worked well for this group. I envision another circle might form in our area with a nighttime option.
7) What’s next?
Becoming engaged through the Policy Circle has been highly rewarding. I’m excited to see additional circles be formed throughout Missouri. It is heartening to see women find their voices in the discussion of free market solutions.
Be part of the movement!
Recommend a Circle Leader. Especially in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arizona, and New York where circles are sprouting.
Start a Circle in your neighborhood. Add value in your community by giving women the facts and the space to strengthen their understanding of the issues.
Invest in The Policy Circle. Together let’s build a network of women who want to assume their civic duties and understand the impact of policy in their lives.
The Policy Circle is a 501(c)3 that provides a fact-based, nonpartisan framework that inspires women living in the same community to connect, learn about and discuss public policies that impact their lives. Women across the nation are taking a leadership role in public policy dialogue on what human creativity can accomplish in a free market economy.