Proud to Belong
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
In this monthly blog series, Circles USA Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander shares insights on her learning journey, sources of inspiration, and what excites her about her work. The column offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the learning curve that drives growth and progress at CUSA as we continually deepen and enhance our mission of building community to end poverty.
Happy Pride month, y’all!
As a member of the queer community, I have been thinking a lot about my life and how it has unfolded over the years. It took quite a while for me to embrace my own sexuality and how it informs and influences my life. Over the years, there have been times that I have been accepted for my sexuality; times when I felt I needed to be overly vocal to ensure that I was acknowledged; and times where I hid my queerness, because it felt unsafe or like I would lose access to what I needed (support, my job, my spiritual community, etc.).
This is where Circles comes in. I have always been fully accepted for who I am among CUSA people. And not just my sexuality and gender. Every aspect of my personality and identity is fully embraced; not just the comfortable or easy parts of me. I am able to bring my full human self to my work.
That is a privilege (and honor) that seems rare today. If I am having a bad day, I can let the team at CUSA know. If I am struggling with a project or unsure how to handle something, I can ask for help. When my ADHD is kicking up and I can’t seem to get on task, I am offered grace and empathy. I can share every aspect of my life with Circles folks, whether it be my marriage to a nonbinary person, my frustration with my doctor, or my excitement when I buy a new car.
Of course, it isn’t just me. All of our CUSA team is offered this same privilege. We love, support, and care about each other. We laugh together, cry together, learn and grow together. When we step on one another’s toes, we work together to find common ground and create a solution that works for all. We truly practice the Circles framework of Ouch, Oops, Ohhh (stay tuned!) It may be uncomfortable, but it is what allows us all to remain open and continue to show up with our full selves.
This feeling of belonging isn’t reserved for the Circles USA staff. Circles is all about building community. It’s what we do. It’s in our tagline. Everyone is welcome at our chapters. Not only welcomed, but honored and celebrated for who they are. Transformational relationships are created, based not on some conditional factor, but instead a deep respect and mutual care for each other.
We are bringing people together across lines of difference. We intentionally create communities of folks who bring unique perspectives, ideas, and opinions to the table. Our Circle Leaders working to leave poverty are matched with middle- and upper-income individuals. We invite policy makers and community leaders to join our weekly meetings and get to know the people there.
We break bread together as a core practice of building community to end poverty. In fact, our weekly shared meals are key to realizing our vision of a future where all individuals live in equitable, thriving communities where poverty no longer exists.. The act of sitting down at a table and eating together, with good conversation, storytelling, and healthy debate is life-changing.
When there are (inevitable) disagreements or misunderstandings, we practice conflict reconciliation and work together to move forward. It isn’t some perfect utopia, but rather a true model of how radically different people can come together and be in community.
As I take time this month to celebrate my own queerness and the amazing people who have come before, I also celebrate the communities that we are building here at Circles. One of my favorite parts about being a part of the LGTBQIA+ community is our ability to create spaces that are designed for us. Circles does the same. If you have never experienced what I am talking about, go find your space. If there is a Circles near you, go check it out. If not, consider starting one… or search for a place where you are celebrated for all of the parts of you. You deserve it. We all deserve it.
Read more from Kris on her monthly Circles USA blog, The Learning Curve Chronicles:
Building Community to End Poverty for 25+ Years
