Empowering women through meaningful conversation is a pillar of The Policy Circle meetings. Supported by in-depth policy briefs, Circle Members learn, develop, and strengthen their voices on some of the biggest challenges we face. Strengthening that voice is vital to having complex discussions.
But more than that – The Policy Circle at its core is about connection. Circles provide a safe, encouraging environment that fosters friendship and purpose. Take Amanda Muldoon, Circle Leader in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She met co-leader Lindsay Hannah in 2017 at a Policy Circle launch event. Both knew they wanted to join and get involved, but didn’t want to do it alone.
“The Policy Circle connected us, and our lives will never be the same. We attended the Policy Circle Summit together before we launched our circle, and during that trip, something special sparked between the two of us. Today, Lindsay is my best friend, biggest cheerleader, and unwavering sponsor of my success. I think she would say the same about me. We light each other’s fire.”
For Muldoon, discussing policy wasn’t a part of her everyday life. Growing up in a working class family, she jumped into the workforce right out of high school, changing careers often before embarking on an 18 year career in finance. She joined 3 Rivers Credit Union in 2002, and her work there sparked an unexpected new passion.
“My role at 3 Rivers Credit Union is what ignited my passion into financial literacy, and ultimately what ignited my passion for policy. The quality of life is tied to money management,” Muldoon said.
A friend and mentor introduced Muldoon to The Policy Circle and other community organizations which peaked her interest and inspired her to get involved. Muldoon says she always thought she needed a political science degree to get involved in politics and local policy discussions. But the more she showed up to The Policy Circle meetings, the more aware she became about how anyone can make an impact.
“Politics is just people, just conversations. Really people being themselves, wanting to share, and acknowledge the people that these policies are impacting,” Muldoon said. “There’s a misconception that politicians … have some knowledge others don’t. But if you don’t get involved, who will make the change?”
The Policy Circle roundtable discussions are a solution to building confidence and knowledge of these issues, as well as trust with women of different backgrounds and perspectives, each coming in with open minds.
“As we continue to explore the briefs together, the foundation of trust we formed allows us to share our opinions without fear of offending or alienating one another,” Muldoon said. “The result is not only a deeper level of understanding about how policy impacts our life but a deeper understanding of each other.”
The trust that Muldoon describes is the foundation that The Policy Circle members develop to explore complex issues, have complex discussions and find the motivation to make a difference in their communities.
“What I find so special about the Policy Circle are the strong friendships that formed between all the women in our circle,” Muldoon said. “It was evident after our first meeting, that we not only became a circle, but we put aside differences and became friends with the common bond of making our community a better place to live.”
Muldoon is doing just that in her community. Inspired by her co-leader’s idea to run for city council, Muldoon became the campaign manager for her co-chair Lindsay’s campaign. Never running a campaign before, she started doing her research and jumped into volunteering on other local campaigns to gain more experience. She gained a valuable new mentor, State Senator Justin Busch, who took her under his wings and taught her more about campaigns and strategies. It snowballed somewhat organically after that. With Amanda’s new found passion for being a go-to of knowledge on local campaigns, she’s now a precinct delegate and a state delegate, as well as a grassroots director for Senator Busch’s 2020 campaign.
The support she found through The Policy Circle helped Amanda Muldoon build confidence in herself and in others. The Policy Circle offers an open and accepting space for women to learn and discuss the policies impacting their families and communities. Per Muldoon, “The Policy Circle discussions bring to the table that common understanding is what is needed to bridge the divides we have now.”
“The biggest benefit to The Policy Circle membership,” Muldoon maintains, “is the support and camaraderie from fellow Circle Members. “
“They say that strong women lift each other up. I witnessed this time and time again with the women of the Policy Circle,” Muldoon said. “Whether my circle supports each other in the community, helps each other overcome personal tragedies, or celebrates success, I know I can count on the women in my circle to be there for one another.”
Connection is at the heart of The Policy Circle’s model and mission. More than 3,500 women across the country gather regularly to learn about public policy and take action in their communities. Circles provide a safe, encouraging environment that fosters friendship and purpose. We celebrate our shared love of country, community and our growing tribe of women who are changing the conversation. Want to share your Policy Circle story? Email us at communications@thepolicycircle.org to learn how to get involved.