MISSION
Building community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change led by the people closest to the challenge.
VISION
All individuals live in equitable, thriving communities where poverty no longer exists.
“Circles is one of the best models for long-term poverty reduction I have ever encountered. It sets up a new dynamic that puts the families who want to become economically stable in the driver’s seat rather than being viewed as clients choosing predetermined options. All involved create a community conversation to reduce poverty regionally.”
— Lynette Fields (Executive Director of Poverty Solutions Group)
What is the Big View Policy Platform?
Circles USA’s Big View Platform frames policy recommendations within the local, state, and national scope. This Platform, informed by our original National Big View Team and authored in 2020 by Board Chair Joan Kuriansky, addresses six issues our chapters flagged as high priority.
It also emphasizes Circles USA’s commitment to addressing the structural biases that unjustly affect people of color and other historically marginalized communities. These six issues are more relevant today than ever before. Circles chapters across the nation deepened and expanded their Big View work this year, tackling systemic change with collective knowledge drawn from government, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropies.
-
Healthcare
-
Housing
-
Transportation
-
Quality Jobs
-
The Cliff Effect
-
Broadband Access