POLICY CIRCLES
CONVENE, CONVERSE,
and CONNECT
When you convene a Policy Circle, you spark conversations that matter. Policy Circles bring women together to learn, connect, and engage on the public policy issues shaping our communities, something often missing in today’s civic landscape.
Using fact-based Policy Briefs, Circles create space to step back from the noise, understand the bigger picture, and explore complex issues through thoughtful dialogue.
You don’t need to be a policy expert or politically involved. Policy Circles are designed for women who are curious, care about their communities, and value learning from diverse perspectives. When you launch a Circle, you will:
Deepen your understanding of today’s most pressing policy issues.
Develop confidence to speak on current policy topics.
Build connections and identify opportunities for civic action.
This is the power of a Policy Circle.
Real women. Real conversations. Real impact.
THE POLICY CIRCLE MODEL
Bring together a small group of women who value learning, civil dialogue, and meaningful conversation.
Participants read a nonpartisan, fact-based Policy Circle Brief in advance to build a shared understanding of the issue.
Using a simple, structured format, Circle members take turns sharing their insights and perspectives, ensuring that every voice is heard.
Each meeting concludes with key takeaways and next steps that inspire continued learning, connection, or civic engagement.
Launch a Policy Circle. Lead Meaningful Conversations. Drive Civic Change.
Policy Circles look different for everyone. Whether you gather a few friends and neighbors in your living room or host a larger community event, each Circle creates space for learning, connection, and impact.
Because Circle Leaders play a vital role in upholding The Policy Circle’s mission and values, leaders are required to be members of The Policy Circle. Membership ensures that Circle Leaders are connected to our broader community and supported with shared resources, guidance, and ongoing learning.
Ready to explore whether launching a Policy Circle is right for you? Fill out the interest form to get started.
Have Questions About Launching A Circle?
I have a voice, and my voice is important. It is also needed and valued in my community. Also, there are different perspectives on the same issues. This is by design and should not be feared. We can work together for the common good when we respect differences of opinion.
Jennifer Belnap
Because of the Policy Circle, I am not afraid to speak my voice.
Selene Rodriguez
I love TPC because it gave me the confidence to reach out and talk about politics in a way that wasn’t threatening, in a way that was active learning. You’re coming together, and you value each other’s opinions and support each other.
Tiffany Smiley
FAQ
What is The Policy Circle?
The Policy Circle is a national organization that informs, equips, and connects women to be more impactful citizens and influential local leaders.What is a Circle?
A Policy Circle is a small group of women who meet regularly in homes, offices, or online to learn about policy issues through nonpartisan briefs. Circles create spaces for meaningful discussion, helping Circle members learn, connect, and take action on policy issues that affect their communities.
What is my role as a Circle Leader?
As a Circle Leader, you are a facilitator and connector, not a policy expert. Your responsibilities include:
- Organizing meetings (scheduling, logistics, reminders)
- Creating a welcoming environment for discussion
- Guiding conversations with Policy Briefs and questions
- Encouraging participation and follow-up engagement
- Serving as the primary contact with The Policy Circle
Do I need policy expertise to lead?
No. Your role is to facilitate, not to teach. The Policy Briefs provide background, key facts, and questions to spark dialogue. Circle members learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives.
How do I get started?
All Circle Leaders start with an orientation call with The Policy Circle, where you’ll learn how to set up your Circle in The Policy Circle Community platform. We’ll discuss your goals and how we support our Circle Leaders.Complete the Circle Interest Form to indicate your interest to learn more.
How often should we meet?
Most Circles meet quarterly, though some meet monthly. Consistency is more important than frequency. We recommend scheduling all your meetings in advance.
How do I prepare for a Circle meeting?
Start by choosing a Policy Brief and sharing it with your Circle at least one to two weeks in advance. Review the discussion questions and select a few to guide the conversationAssign roles to help the conversation go smoothly. There should be a facilitator, timekeeper, and note-taker. Set up a welcoming meeting space. Refreshments are optional, but encouraged for hospitality.
What support do Circle Leaders receive?
Every Circle Leader’s experience begins with a personal orientation call with a member of The Policy Circle team. This call will walk you through what you need to know about being a Circle Leader. You’ll have full access to The Policy Circle Community, including the Circle Leader Resource Library, complete with guides and templates. You can also connect with and learn from other Circle Leaders on the platform.You’ll receive a Welcome Kit that includes a conversation model and facilitation tools. Whether it’s your first meeting or your fiftieth, The Policy Circle team is here to provide support and answer any questions you may have.
How do I make meetings successful and engaging?
- Be respectful to your Circle members by starting and ending on time
- Keep the conversation balanced and allow for multiple points of view
- Use the “Table-it Rule” to stay on topic
- Close with action steps or reflections on what members can do locally
- Encourage members to invite new guests and keep meetings consistent to build momentum