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Circles Staff is here to support you

At Circles USA, we’re here to support you on your journey toward reaching your goals and building the life you envision. This page brings together helpful tools and resources—from training materials and goal-setting worksheets to wellness tips and peer connections—to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re in Circle Leader Training or actively matched with an Ally, you’ll find what you need to stay focused, stay supported, and stay inspired.

Training from Circles USA

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From foundational courses like Basic Training and Ally Training to specialized topics like Big View, data, and equity work, our training resources are designed to help you deepen your understanding of the Circles model and your role in it. Whether you're a new staff member, a seasoned volunteer, or a community leader, there’s a training here for you.

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Online Self-Paced Trainings

Self-paced online training courses designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to support the Circles model. Each course guides you through every step of the training, with video lessons, reflection questions, and downloadable materials to deepen your learning. Upon completion, participants earn a digital badge, which is added to their profile, and a printable certificate of completion. Even after finishing a course, you’ll retain access to the materials for future reference—helping you stay confident and informed as you grow in your Circles role.

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  • Basic Training: This course is designed to introduce new staff, board members, and super volunteers to the Circles initiative. Each session has a video lesson and reflection questions, which take approximately 20 minutes total to complete.

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  • Ally Training: This course introduces the Circles model, which has been working to reduce poverty for over 20 years. It also prepares participants to become effective Allies—key partners in supporting Circle Leaders and advancing the mission to end poverty in their communities.

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  • Database Training: This course teaches participants how to collect and enter data into the Circles USA database. It also explores the importance of data and how to leverage it to support and strengthen local chapters.

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  • Big View Training: Designed for staff, volunteers, and Circle Leaders engaged in systems change work through the Big View Team, this course equips participants with the tools and strategies to advance long-term solutions to poverty within their communities.

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Find these courses and more on our Courses page

Virtual Immersive Training (VIT) for new staff & chapter champions

Virtual Immersive Training builds on Basic Training online to go more deeply into the Circles model, the key concepts and practices, and meeting your peers in the field. In addition to the online training with Circles USA and your peers, you will have an opportunity for further learning by engaging in a simulation about the racial wealth gap.


To sign up for our next VIT, reach out to Gena (Gena@CirclesUSA.org)

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webinars

Monthly Sharing Webinars

Monthly webinars are held throughout the year to share best practices, updates, and resources. Topics include announcements, Ally support, Big View strategies, Circle Leaders, resource development, marketing, matching, Poverty IQ, Resource Teams, staff support, weekly meetings, youth programming, and equity. Past recordings are available in the Circles USA | Webinars & Announcements community group.

To learn about upcoming webinars, check the latest Loop newsletter or contact Gena (Gena@CirclesUSA.org)

Conference

Circles USA Leadership Conference

The Circles USA Leadership Conference takes place every 18 months in different locations across the country. It’s an inspiring event where chapters, partners, and community champions gather to share best practices, connect with peers, and build momentum in the work of ending poverty. The conference is open to chapter staff, Circle Leaders, Allies, volunteers, funders, and friends of Circles. Programming is designed for all levels of experience, offering practical tools, new ideas, and opportunities to strengthen local Circles efforts.

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Past recordings from some conference sessions are available in the Circles USA | Webinars & Announcements community group. You can also find handouts and select videos from all of our conferences since 2018 can be found in the Conference folder.

Core Circles Materials

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Essential tools and materials you need to run your Circles chapter, deliver programming, and support participants. From staff guides and Circle Leader workbooks to Ally resources, youth curriculum, and meeting materials, these resources help you deliver the Circles model with confidence and consistency.

Staff Materials

  • Staff materials are available which includes the Start-Up Guide and Handbook, which provide essential guidance for launching and operating a successful Circles chapter. You’ll also find a variety of staff forms and templates that support smooth operations and help maintain program fidelity, such as the Code of Conduct, Media Release Form, Commitment Form, Program Protocols, Confidentiality Agreements, and more. These materials are designed to save time, promote consistency, and support staff in delivering the Circles model effectively.

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Circle Leader Training

Circle Leader Training

  • Circle Leader Training, a 12-session program that equips participants to lead their journey out of poverty. Resources include the Circle Leader Workbook, Facilitator Guide, weekly PowerPoints, Circle Leader Description, Circles Plan, and Budget Template. Additional materials include an employer letter template and a completion certificate template to celebrate program milestones.

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Circle Ally Training

  • Online Self-Paced Ally Training: This course introduces the Circles model, which has been working to reduce poverty for over 20 years. It also prepares participants to become effective Allies—key partners in supporting Circle Leaders and advancing the mission to end poverty in their communities.

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  • In-Person Circles Ally Training: Ally Training prepares participants to support Circle Leaders by introducing them to the Circles model and their role as Allies. Through guided sessions, participants build knowledge, motivation, and relationship skills before being matched. A facilitator guide and PowerPoint slides are available to support training delivery, including scripts, session prep tips, and matching guidance.

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Ally Training

Matched Circles

  • Matched Circles resources are available to help you facilitate strong, intentional matches between Circle Leaders and Allies. Resources include the Circle Leader Match Preferences Form to guide the matching process, the Matched Commitment Form to establish shared expectations, and Monthly Self-Evaluation Forms for both individuals and matched Circles to encourage reflection and growth. Additional materials such as tips for a successful Circle, matched night suggestions, speed dating questions, and a shared values handout help create a supportive, collaborative environment for Circles to thrive.

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Matched Circles
Weekly Meeting Programming

Weekly Meeting Programming

  • A variety of Weekly Programming tools are available to help support engaging, relevant weekly meetings. Resources include the Your Money, Your Goals Toolkit and the Money and Me Toolkit for financial education, healthy relationship lessons with handouts, videos, and PDFs, and multiple meeting activities to keep sessions interactive and meaningful. You’ll also find guidance on meeting space considerations, Ally and Circle Leader support night samples, and a meeting agenda template to ensure each session runs smoothly and meets participant needs.

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Spanish Materials

Spanish Materials

To support Spanish-speaking participants, this folder provides essential resources in Spanish, including the Circle Leader Application, question bank, facilitator guide, slide decks, brochures, Circle Leader Workbook, and the monthly self-evaluation form. These materials help ensure all participants feel welcomed, included, and supported in their Circles journey.

Virtual Circles

Virtual Circles

  • Virtual Circles resources support chapters in delivering engaging, effective programming in a virtual setting. Materials include 12 weeks of class tools, virtual backgrounds, and PowerPoints—providing everything needed to facilitate learning and community building online while maintaining the heart of the Circles model.

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Youth

Youth Curriculum & Resources

  • ​This folder offers offers age-specific programming.

    • 3 age groups (pre-school, elementary, and tween) are aligned with Circle Leader Training themes like relationships, respect, service, and financial literacy. Resources include lesson plans, supply list, and supplemental materials.​

    • The high school curriculum features creative activities, journal prompts, music playlists, and weekly learning objectives to engage teens and encourage multi-generational learning.

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Operational Support

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Supporting your chapter’s day-to-day operations and strengthening your core teams is essential. Whether you’re hiring staff, building Resource Teams, engaging volunteers, or supporting community members through grief, these resources are designed to save you time, ensure consistency, and help your chapter thrive.

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Hiring Staff

Hiring the right staff is critical to the success of your Circles chapter. This folder includes job descriptions for key roles such as Coach, Facilitator, and Coordinator, providing expectations and responsibilities for each position. You’ll also find a staff orientation checklist designed to help new team members get up to speed quickly and effectively. These resources support your hiring process and ensure your team is equipped to deliver the Circles model with fidelity.

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Building Resource Teams

  • Resource Teams play a vital role in the Circles model by bringing community members together to address barriers to economic stability. This folder offers guidance on building and sustaining strong Resource Teams, including task breakdowns and best practices for teams such as Big View, Community, Jobs and Education, Recruitment, and Services. Use these materials to clarify team roles, set goals, and ensure that each team is aligned and contributing to your chapter’s success.

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Circles Big View

  • The Big View Podcast: Circles USA takes a 10,000 foot view of poverty and break it down into bite-sized chunks, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the experience of poverty and learn how to make a real difference in your community.

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  • The Big View folder supports chapters in addressing systemic barriers to economic stability. It includes the Big View Policy Platform to guide advocacy efforts, civic engagement resources to help communities raise their voices for change, and a workbook for employers on Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Workers Who Have Experienced Poverty. These tools empower chapters to engage with community leaders, influence policy, and drive change beyond the individual level.​

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Volunteer Recruitment, Care, and Retention

Volunteers are essential partners in the Circles community. This folder provides practical tools for recruiting, supporting, and retaining volunteers over time. Resources include volunteer tips, interest forms, resource involvement forms, meeting agendas and minutes for Resource Teams, volunteer applications, contract templates, and retention strategies. These materials are designed to help you build a strong, engaged volunteer base that feels valued and connected to your chapter’s mission.

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​​Grief Support

Grief is a natural part of life, and supporting community members through loss is an important aspect of fostering a caring and resilient Circles community. This folder provides best practices for grief support, including what to expect, what to say and not to say, and tips for helping young adults cope with loss. You’ll also find a PDF resource on understanding common grief responses—freeze, flight, fight, or fawn—and guidance for navigating these reactions in a supportive and trauma-informed way.

Community Support & Collaboration

Circles USA is here to support you every step of the way. Our General Support options connect you with a national network of staff, coaches, and peers who are ready to offer guidance, share ideas, and help you navigate challenges. Whether through Community Groups, coaching calls, or facilitated discussions, you’ll find spaces to ask questions, celebrate successes, and learn from others in the Circles network. We’re committed to helping you build a strong, resilient chapter that can thrive in its work to end poverty.

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Community Groups

In Community Groups, you can collaborate with staff and volunteers from over 70 chapters in North America and Canada. Each group page includes tabs for discussions, media, files, group info, searchable topics, and more to help you stay connected and organized.

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National & Regional Coaches

  • Circles USA National Coach Addie Hartnett supports both regional coaches and local chapters across the country. They provide guidance, share best practices, and help strengthen program implementation. The National Coach also plays a key role in advancing equity and ensuring consistency in the Circles model nationwide.

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  • Regional Coaches support Circles Chapters within specific geographic regions across the U.S. Each coach provides guidance tailored to the unique needs of their region, offering tools, insights, and encouragement to help chapters successfully implement the Circles model and break the cycle of poverty.

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To learn who your regional coach is, reach out to Gena (Gena@CirclesUSA.org)

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Support Calls

A variety of calls are available to help staff, volunteers, and chapters learn from peers, share challenges, and receive guidance. These calls create space for connection, problem-solving, and encouragement across the Circles network.

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  • Required:

    • 12 - Planning Calls for New Chapters: Planning Calls are uniquely structured to guide new chapters toward an equitable and sustainable launch of the Circles model within their community’s context. These calls occur monthly across the chapter’s first contract year.​

    • Yearly Fidelity Contract Renewal Call: Fidelity Calls occur annually upon renewal of the Circles annual contract. In these calls the chapter staff review and provide explanation on how each of the fidelity agreements are implemented within their chapter.

    • Yearly Wellness Call: Wellness Calls are an opportunity to check-in on all the areas that create a successful and sustainable Circles Chapter and occur halfway through the chapter’s contract year​​

    • Bi-Annual Data Calls: Data Calls are an essential part of Circles USA’s support for chapters. These virtual meetings provide an opportunity to review your data collection process, ensure accuracy, and identify trends to strengthen your program’s impact. During a Data Call, you will receive a fully prepared report, multiple graphs, a copy of your raw data, and a thorough review of your data for accuracy. Additional calls can be scheduled as needed for personalized support. Have your data expert schedule a meeting today.

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  • 4 - Coaching Calls with Regional Coach Upon Request: Coaching Calls are an opportunity for chapters to receive direct support, coaching and guidance from a skilled and seasoned Circles Regional Coach.

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  • Regional Community of Practice Call:  Monthly Regional Community of Practice Calls are recurring virtual meetings facilitated by regional coaches. These calls bring together Circles chapters within a specific region to share experiences, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions.

    Check out our most recent Loop newsletter or contact Gena (Gena@CircleSUSA.org) to determine when your next Community of Practice Call is.

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  • Monthly Townhall Meeting: Join our Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander to do a deep dive into what is and isn't working with the Circles model and National Office. These meetings provide an open space to share feedback, discuss candidly, and communicate needs to the National Office. All staff and super volunteers are welcome to attend the conversation.

    Check out our most recent Loop newsletter or contact Kris (Kris@CircleSUSA.org) to determine when the next meeting is scheduled.​​​

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  • Quarterly Calls by Role: Quarterly support calls are available for staff and volunteers across different roles in the network. These calls provide dedicated time to share successes, ask questions, discuss challenges, and connect with others in similar roles. Available roles include: Coordinators, Coaches, Youth Program, and Big View.

    Contact Gena (Gena@CirclesUSA.org) to receive the calendar invite and log in.

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Marketing & Outreach Resources

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Stay informed and connected through Circles USA’s newsletters and marketing resources. Whether you’re sharing your chapter’s story, learning from others, or showcasing the impact of your work, these tools help you engage your community and communicate the mission of Circles.

Circles USA Marketing & Updates

  • The Loop: An internal newsletter for chapter staff and super volunteers. Provides information regarding upcoming events, updated information regarding resources to Support Your Chapter
    Big View Newsletter

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  • The Big View: An external newsletter that represents the broad, transformative nature of Circles USA’s approach to ending poverty. While many initiatives focus solely on either serving individuals or advancing policy reform, we recognize that radical poverty alleviation (that is, “getting at root causes” of economic instability) requires both personal initiative and widespread systemic change. This strategy, combined with our commitment to centering the agency and leadership of those closest to the challenge—our Circle Leaders—drives the change process that our chapters and national network need for long-term poverty eradication.

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  • New & Goods: An external newsletter that highlights inspiring stories, creative solutions, and chapter successes across the Circles network. It’s a space to celebrate achievements, share ideas, and stay connected to the impactful work happening in communities across North America.

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  • The Big View Podcast: Circles USA takes a 10,000 foot view of poverty and break it down into bite-sized chunks, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the experience of poverty and learn how to make a real difference in your community.

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  • Circles USA Blog: We love to share inspiring stories, chapter news, policy editorials, and examples of community-driven solutions and successes. You’ll also find updates on our staff, model, materials, events, and research to keep you on the leading edge of anti-poverty work in the U.S.

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  • Yearly Impact Reports: Circles Impact Report provides a comprehensive overview of the outcomes and achievements across the Circles network. It highlights key data, success stories, and trends from chapters nationwide, offering a powerful tool for sharing the collective impact of Circles USA’s work. 

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Chapter Marketing Materials

  • Customizable one-pagers, trifolds, posters: Filling out the form will request: Several formats of your chapter logo with and without the tagline Building Community to End Poverty. The following trifolds and one pagers: Ally, What is Circles, Circle Leader, Resource Team, and three versions of the Inclusivity Poster. Please, allow for 7-10 business days. 

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  • Cliff Effect Awareness One-Pager: The Cliff Effect One-Pager offers visuals, examples, and practical solutions—all in one handy sheet. It’s also an excellent “leave-behind” learning tool for policymakers, employers, and community leaders.

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  • Website through Squarespace: Circles USA offers a template website through Squarespace that chapters can customize to fit their needs. We start by adding your chapter’s logo, name, local poverty data, contact info, and other key content. You’ll receive admin access to the site, and ongoing support. Please note that your chapter will be responsible for the cost of the Squarespace plan and your domain. However, Squarespace offers the domain free for the first year.

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  • Marketing: You can find sample press releases, PowerPoints, infographics, and more in the Marketing folder.

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  • Fundraising: You can find example grant proposals, email templates, letters, a fundraising plan, the fundraising guide, and more in the Fundraising folder.

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Data & Evaluation

Two sets of hands with a tablet and pages of colorful charts and graphs, representing teamwork and data analysis

Data is a powerful tool for telling your chapter’s story, demonstrating impact, and engaging funders and partners. These tools help you track progress, support fundraising efforts, and showcase the power of your work in the Circles community.

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Data Collection

Circles USA requires chapters to collect three types of data: Circle Leader data, Ally/Staff/Volunteer data, and General Demographic data. Chapters may collect data electronically through the public forms on the database, or on paper to enter it into the database.

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The Circles Data System folder includes the Data User Manual, all required data forms, QR codes for accessing the public forms, a Word document with links to editable copies of the forms, and Spanish versions of all forms.

Data Entry

Before obtaining a login to the Circles USA Database you must complete the Online Self-Paced Database Training that teaches participants how to collect and enter data into the Circles USA database. It also explores the importance of data and how to leverage it to support and strengthen local chapters. then Contact Courtney at (Courtney@CirclesUSA.org) to schedule a meeting.

Leveraging Your Results

  • Bi-Annual Data Calls: Data Calls are required and provide personalized support for your chapter’s data needs. These virtual meetings provide an opportunity to review your data collection process, ensure accuracy, and identify trends to strengthen your program’s impact. During a Data Call, you will receive a fully prepared report, multiple graphs, a copy of your raw data, and a thorough review of your data for accuracy. Additional calls can be scheduled as needed for personalized support. Have your data expert schedule a meeting today.

  • Filterable, on-demand infographics are available directly in the Circles database. You can also download your chapter’s raw data to create custom graphs and reports as needed.

  • Annual Report Examples: The Circles Data System folder includes annual reports from other chapters for reference and inspiration.

  • Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator: Created by UCLA graduate students in 2020  to demonstrate the Return on Investment of the family-led approach developed by Circles USA, the ROI calculator uses research-based estimates of the financial costs to society of both children and adults living in poverty as well as the reduction of these costs as the households (both adults and children) move out of poverty, earn income, and pay taxes. Chapters receive a customized version of the ROI Calculator with their own data during a Data Call, making it a powerful tool for grant applications, presentations, and storytelling.

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National and External Resources

  • ​Circles USA Impact Reports: Circles reports chapter results at individual and community levels. Participants steadily grow skills and income, decrease dependence on public assistance, and expande resources and support networks. At the community and national levels, Circles USA connects diverse peoples across class lines and ideology, changes attitudes about poverty, and contributes to policy change.​

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