Circles USA Launches National Salon Series to Tackle Poverty and Spark Systems Change
- Circles USA
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
Circles USA is proud to announce the launch of our new Circles Salon Series: a quarterly gathering of thought leaders, changemakers, and community partners from across the nation. These Salons are designed to spark dialogue, deepen collaboration, and accelerate solutions to the complex systems that keep people trapped in poverty.
Our first Circles Salon met on October 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with a focus on the Cliff Effect. This term describes the punishing loss of essential benefits like childcare, housing, or healthcare when families experience small increases in income. Our Salon was the capstone event of the Beyond the Cliff coalition’s Hill Day, sponsored by the Cliff Effect Coalition and the Martha O’Bryan Center, where partners engaged with policymakers earlier in the day. As part of the coalition, Circles USA was joined by Circles Salt Lake and Poverty Solutions Group (lead organization for Circles Central Florida) during this powerful week in DC.
At our Salon, Circles was thrilled to welcome 22 leaders representing 14 organizations across all six sectors of community life: education, philanthropy, faith, government, nonprofit, and business. Their presence demonstrates the power of social capital in action, as diverse organizations unite around a shared commitment: building a social safety net that supports, rather than punishes, economic mobility and connects key decision-makers to real people experiencing poverty.
The Circles Salon was a pivotal event for the organization. Circles was able to convene people representing multiple sectors and stakeholders that have a national reach. Additionally, we were able to share thoughts and strategies on the Beyond the Cliff policy agenda that was recently released after 18 months of gathering data, evidence, and stories. I was thrilled to be a part of such a momentous evening! — Lynette Fields | Executive Director, Poverty Solutions Group
Coalition building is one of the most powerful vehicles we have for systems change. When people and organizations come together across sectors and differences, we move from isolated efforts to collective impact — and that’s how we move the needle on poverty in this country. — Kamatara Johnson | Executive Director, Circles USA
The series represents an intentional next step in Circles’ work: convening cross-sector thought partners and action leaders to bring new insights, bold ideas, and shared solutions into the national anti-poverty movement.
The Circles Salon created space for honest connection and collaboration. And that’s where real systems change begins. Being in that room reminded me what real community looks like: people from every sector, each bringing their own experience and heart, coming together with a shared commitment to change what’s not working for families. When we build community across lines of policy, research, and lived experience, we create the foundation for lasting impact. — Michelle Crawford | Executive Director, Circles Salt Lake
Looking Ahead
Quarter 1, 2026:Â Our next Salon will be held online, expanding access to partners across the country.
Quarter 2, 2026: We’ll gather in person again with details to be announced.
We invite you to be part of this growing movement. Whether in Washington, online, or in future gatherings, your voice and vision are critical to reimagining systems so every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Stay tuned for more details on how you can join the conversation — and the coalition — through upcoming Circles Salons.
Building Community to End Poverty in 25 States
