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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. I recently completed The Prosperity Agenda ’s Family-Centered Coaching Cohort Intensive Training . I had the opportunity to attend because of the partnership being developed and solidified between Circles USA and The Prosperity Agenda—and I am so grateful for it. This training is designed primarily for case managers and social workers supporting low-income individuals and families as they move out of crisis, through stability, and ultimately leave poverty behind for good. Circles USA's Pathway to Thriving Dr. Philena DeVaughn It was an excellent training; I learned so much from the facilitator, Dr. Philena DeVaughn , who brought a wealth of knowledge and was truly one of the best facilitators I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from. But there was something deeper going on—and that’s what I want to share with you today. I witnessed others in the training experience profound “aha moments” about how they interact with their clients and participants. This training offers tools for a major mindset shift: from telling people in poverty what they need to do, to truly listening and working together to find solutions that fit the individual or family. It shifts the dynamic from the case manager being in the driver's seat to recognizing that the person receiving support is the expert in their own life. They have the tools and ability to make decisions and find solutions for themselves. The three driving values of Family-Centered Coaching are: every individual is creative , capable , and resourceful . The FCC Approach: Every individual is creative, capable, and resourceful. Imagine if we viewed every person we encountered through that lens. What a difference that would make. The truth is, everyone needs help sometimes. As I always seem to return to in these blog posts, interdependence is the key to healthy people . Circles USA’s work is building community to end poverty, because we recognize that community  is the primary ingredient for upward mobility—and imperative for leaving poverty behind permanently. Honestly, it also felt like seven weeks of healing for me. In my twenties, I experienced poverty as a single mother doing her best to make ends meet. Back then, the idea that low-income individuals were creative, capable, and resourceful was not something widely assumed in the benefits systems or nonprofits I encountered. I remember feeling so alone and hopeless while navigating systems like WIC, Food Stamps (now SNAP), housing assistance, TANF, food banks, Medicaid, and more. In fact, I often gave up before I got the help I needed. The systems were so difficult and degrading to navigate that I decided it was easier to go without. Falling off the cliff I was also running into what we now call the benefits cliff —though I didn’t know it had a name. I had to make hard decisions all the time: Do I take a higher-paying job and lose the benefits that help me survive and care for my son, or do I stay in a lower-paying one to keep the support I desperately need? Whenever I tried to talk about this with case managers, the response was often some version of, “If you really cared and wanted to change your situation, you’d figure it out. This is a you problem, not a system problem.” That mindset was so pervasive that nearly 20 years later, when I started working for Circles USA and watched our video about the benefits cliff , I burst into tears. I felt so validated. Not only does it have a name, but people see  the problem—and are working on solving it. My son and I in 2009 So to spend time with a group of incredible people—people who work  in these programs and systems, who recognize the problems, who want  to help, and who are learning how to put individuals and families back in the driver’s seat—was a healing balm for the young mother I used to be. The one who was just trying to survive and navigate a difficult and lonely world. I am over the moon about the Circles-Prosperity Agenda partnership . It feels like a match made in heaven. Attending the training has given me tools and resources I’m excited to integrate into our upcoming Ally Training update —one of my top priorities for 2025. And The Prosperity Agenda’s commitment to bringing Circles into their Family-Centered Coaching centers adds an additional layer of support for families and individuals already being served with this new mindset. T o spend time with a group of incredible people—people who work  in these programs and systems, who recognize the problems, who want  to help, and who are learning how to put individuals and families back in the driver’s seat—was a healing balm for the young mother I used to be. Transformation and healing This experience reminded me that transformation is not only possible—it’s already happening. The partnership between Circles USA and The Prosperity Agenda is not just about shared goals; it’s about shared humanity. We are co-creating a future where dignity, agency, and compassion lead the way. I’m grateful to be part of this movement, to witness the healing that occurs when we truly listen, and to know that the systems that once failed so many of us are being reimagined by those who care deeply and dare to do better. There’s so much good work ahead—and we’re doing it, together. Read more from Kris on her monthly Circles USA blog, The Learning Curve Chronicles : The Serviceberry as a Blueprint for Community Embracing the Both/And The Science of Relationships Youth, Varying Exceptionalities, & Poverty Click the   Give to Circles button  and help us celebrate 25+ years of building community to end poverty!

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. The Foundation of Circles The heart of the Circles model is relationships . We are building community to end poverty, and the science backs us up. You might be thinking, "Of course it does, Kris! You have tons of data  proving that strong, positive relationships help break the cycle of poverty." And you’d be right. Our research consistently shows that poverty is rooted in isolation and oppression; and the more we build truly equitable, diverse communities, the more we reduce poverty. But today, I want to go deeper—not just into data, but into the very nature of relationships themselves. To do that, we need to talk about science, history, and a major shift in how we see the world. From Mythological to Mechanistic and Beyond: A Shift in Worldview Humanity has long sought to explain the world around us. Long ago, the mythological worldview was the primary way we understood the world. It explained natural phenomena as the will of gods or deities. For example, thunderstorms weren’t caused by atmospheric pressure and electrical charges, but by Zeus hurling thunderbolts in anger. The changing of the seasons wasn’t determined by the Earth’s tilt and orbit, but by Maui, the Polynesian demigod, who lassoed the Sun to slow its movement. A rainbow wasn’t light refracting through water to create a spectrum of colors but as God’s promise to humanity never to destroy the world again. These stories provided clarity and purpose in a chaotic world—and, for many people, still do . 🌈 Then, a shift began in the 16th century with Copernicus, who proposed that the Earth orbits the Sun. This idea sparked discoveries from Galileo, Kepler, and Newton, leading to the Mechanistic worldview—that the universe is governed by predictable laws rather than divine will. This new paradigm ushered in the industrial revolution, which we can thank for many of today’s technological advancements and conveniences. It is the primary worldview upon which America is founded and operates: understanding the universe as a machine made of separate, independent parts that can be manipulated without disturbing the whole. Now, a new perspective is emerging in the Western world: the quantum worldview. Quantum sociology challenges the mechanistic view by emphasizing that everything is interconnected, something that many Indigenous and non-Western cultures have known for centuries. This worldview suggests that relationships, not isolated parts, are key to understanding both the universe and our lives. It tells us that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that everything—from particles to people—is interdependent. By integrating scientific knowledge with spiritual understanding and lived experience, this worldview offers a holistic perspective of the world and our place in it. The Power of Interconnected Systems Let’s think about the human body. Much of Western medicine treats symptoms in isolation—if you have a headache, you take medicine for your head, because we use logic to observe, discover, and then "fix" the problem. But anyone with a chronic illness knows that we can't look at the parts of the body individually. Pain in the head can originate in the gut, be an indicator of stress levels, dehydration, or even bad posture. The body isn’t a machine with separate, independent parts; it’s an interconnected system. Treating the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms, leads to better health. Or consider the planet. The mechanistic view suggests that we can exploit one part of the Earth without affecting the rest. But we now know that’s not true. In 2017, a plastic bag was found in the Mariana Trench —36,000 feet below sea level, deeper than Mount Everest is tall. When the Fukushima disaster occurred in 2011, radiation spread across the entire Northern Hemisphere. And without the Sahara Desert, the Amazon Rainforest wouldn’t survive , because dust from that (what we previously considered) barren wasteland provides critical nutrients.  Mycologist (aka mushroom scientist) Paul Stamets expresses this concept in his studies: "I see the mycelium as the Earth’s natural Internet, a consciousness with which we might be able to communicate. ...What a beautiful inspirational model for how human beings might live: In a shared economy based not on greed but on nurturing relationships and mutual cooperation." The Earth, like the human body, is defined by its relationships.  The Myth of the “Self-Made” Person Yet, our culture still clings to an outdated, individualistic ideal: the self-made person. We love stories of people who “pulled themselves up by their bootstraps” and “overcame the odds.” But no one is truly self-made . None of us independently built the roads we drive on, wired the electricity in our homes, or invented the languages we speak. Every success story is actually a story of relationships—mentors, teachers, family, community, society, history. At Circles USA’s VIT ( Virtual Immersion Training  for new Circles Staff across the nation), we play Social Capital Bingo—one of my favorite activities. The Bingo card is filled with tasks others might do for us, like recommending a great restaurant, watching our kids or pets in a pinch, or giving us a ride if our car breaks down. The twist? You can only cover a space if you actually have someone in your life who could do that for you. The first time I played, I had just moved "home" to the mountains of North Carolina, where I have built-in friends and family. I had two key realizations: first, I am incredibly blessed with a strong support network; and second, my struggles in California and Virginia were, in large part, due to not having the same level of social capital. During a recent VIT session, a participant had a powerful insight after playing. She said, "I always talk about being a single mother who has to do everything myself, but this showed me that I actually have a lot of support in my life." What a beautiful realization to witness.  Circles and the Quantum Model: Relationships as the Solution So there you have it. Circles isn’t just addressing poverty within the current American paradigm of individualism—we are integrating the wisdom of a new scientific understanding that validates what some cultures have known for generations. A quantum perspective reveals the interconnectedness of the Universe, uniting seemingly disparate ideas, beliefs, perspectives, and people . The quantum model shows us that relationships don’t just enhance our lives—they define them. When we build intentional, diverse communities, we become more than we ever could alone . Every person is necessary, and the strength of our society depends on uplifting everyone. The transformation we see in Circles isn’t just about individuals overcoming poverty; it’s about an entire network—Circle Leaders, Allies, volunteers, and staff—growing stronger together. We aren’t solving poverty by building a person’s independence (bootstraps only) or by solidifying their dependence (reliance on the benefits system as sole support), but through interdependence . As a Circle Leader’s situation improves, so does their entire community. This is the power of relationships: not just a tool for change, but the very foundation of it. When we embrace this truth—that relationships are the key to transformation—we step into a new paradigm, one that sees the world not as a machine, but as a web of connection where every thread matters. And that is how we end poverty: together . Read more from Kris on our blog: The Learning Curve Chronicles: Youth, Varying Exceptionalities, & Poverty Introducing our new Chief Learning Officer, Kris Alexander

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. Equity and Circles When Circles USA declares “We’re building community to end poverty and bringing people together across lines of difference,” this is what we mean: Circles works to create the conditions of safety for people with differing perspectives and ideas to be in community together . In doing so, we can begin to experience the deep sense of belonging necessary for us to come together and recognize each other’s humanity. This opens the door to a wide spectrum of perspectives and opinions; because we know that no single person, group, or idea holds all the answers—rather, we each hold a piece of the answer. Not to get too rose-colored-glasses, but we really are each a thread in the tapestry, a strand in the web, a pane in the stained glass of life. This is why Circles focuses on community , intentional friendships , social capital , and building relationships . It’s not about what we each believe individually—it’s about what we can create together. And in this way, we’re building a society where poverty is nothing more than a story in a history book. Let’s face it: Either/or thinking is hardwired into humanity. Our brains evolved to quickly judge and categorize as a survival skill. This ability is crucial in moments where we need to quickly assess whether we're safe or not; however there are times when a different approach is required. Letting go of this instinctive way of thinking is challenging—we’re up against societal conditioning and our own biology. It takes intentional rewiring of our brains, discomfort, and courageous, vulnerable conversations. But the reward—closer, more diverse, equitable, and thriving communities—is absolutely worth the effort. Robert Jones, Jr. creator of Son of Baldwin When we bring this survival mechanism into situations that aren’t a matter of life and death, we start to perceive threats in differing ideas, perspectives, and opinions. Let me be clear—when I mention differing opinions, I’m not referring to human rights. Circles maintains our position of valuing and respecting every individual, and we are dedicated to eradicating poverty for all . People deserve dignity, respect, and the right to life simply because they are human. I think Robert Jones, Jr. said it best, “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”  Instead, what I’m discussing are topics like how to solve poverty in our nation, the role of government, or making healthcare accessible and affordable. These topics are nuanced and complex, yet society has historically approached them from an either/or perspective. As a result, we often forget the big picture, swing back and forth between one solution or another depending on short term leadership, and fail to make real progress in creating a society where human rights are prioritized for all. Ella Miron-Spektor So, what’s the alternative to either/or? Both/and thinking. Sometimes called a paradox mindset, this transformational idea is exactly what we need at this pivotal moment. Ella Miron-Spektor, a professor of Organizational Behavior and a leading paradox researcher, describes it as “embracing and managing contradictory yet interrelated demands, shifting from an "either/or" mentality to a "both/and" approach. This perspective acknowledges that competing demands are often unavoidable and interwoven, and instead of choosing between them, it encourages finding ways to balance and integrate them over time.  MC Escher "Drawing Hands" Adopting a paradox mindset can lead to increased creativity, adaptability, and improved problem-solving abilities, as it allows individuals and organizations to navigate complex and dynamic environments more effectively. Let’s look at a somewhat silly example: Do marshmallows belong in hot chocolate? There’s no definitive answer. You may have a strong opinion on the matter, but at the end of the day, it is just your opinion and not a fact. There are countless reasons someone might prefer marshmallows—or not—from personal taste and cultural background to experiences, family opinions, dietary restrictions, type of marshmallows, and more.  This seemingly-simple question about marshmallows is surprisingly complex, filled with a variety of ideas, opinions, beliefs, and preferences, but no clear-cut answer. I don’t bring up this lighthearted issue to minimize the major challenges we are facing today, but rather to highlight our use of both/and thinking in everyday life, and how very few things, even something as simple as marshmallows, are as black and white as they appear on the surface. When we begin to examine more complex social issues, we notice how politics and the constant push to “pick a side” have fueled either/or thinking, when what we really need is the broader both/and mindset. If we shift back from the idea of “sides” and pay attention, we begin to notice that there are many meaningful contributions and nuanced perspectives to consider. This is because the challenging issues we face today don’t have one simple right answer. Instead, they require a variety of perspectives, ideas, and new ways of being. Take poverty as an example. Folks with conservative leanings often support the “bootstraps” approach—believing individuals should pull themselves up and improve their own lives. People with more liberal views tend to focus on the "benefits" approach, where society takes responsibility for providing support and resources to ensure everyone has access to basic needs. So, which is right? The answer is both/and. The bootstraps mindset offers personal autonomy, choice, and self-confidence. The benefits mindset ensures a safety net, upholds human dignity, and prioritizes equity. But both also have their pitfalls: Bootstraps on its own can perpetuate inequality and lead to individual burnout and overwhelm, while benefits alone can foster dependency, fear of scarcity, and a sense of being stuck. Neither approach, on its own, will eradicate poverty—and, in fact, either in isolation will make the issue worse over time. We see this with the shifting of political administrations over the decades. Despite both conservative and liberal administrations in the last 50 years, no lasting, significant strides have been made toward poverty eradication. This is the pendulum swing that occurs when we rely on either/or thinking to solve complex problems. What results from embracing the both/and is something entirely new and exponentially greater than its parts. It’s not just an inhale or exhale, but the act of breathing. It’s not marshmallows or no marshmallows, but a whole new drink altogether. Circles of Grant County calls this third way "barnraising." We also sometimes refer to it as interdependence. In a barnraising, everyone comes together for the good of an individual because there is a deep understanding that a society’s humanity is directly correlated to its ability to support its most marginalized community members. True interdependence isn’t about relying on someone else to do all the work for you or  only trusting yourself—it’s the recognition that we are all in this together, with our varied skills, limitations, and lived experiences. People are exponentially stronger in community than we are alone, and equity is what unlocks the full potential of society. Equity ensures that everyone has access to what they need to contribute meaningfully, recognizing the unique gifts, opportunities, and resources of each person. In a barnraising, there is a place for all—whether it’s building the barn, designing the structure, caring for the children, making the food, ensuring safety, or planning the event. For this model to work, we must acknowledge that not everyone has had the same opportunities, resources, or privileges. A truly interdependent and just society makes space for these differences, not by erasing them, but by valuing each person’s contributions and ensuring they have what they need to fully participate. In last month’s Learning Curve Chronicles ,  I discussed relationships as imperative and reminded us that there’s no such thing as a self-made individual. We all create society together—from the roads we drive on to the ideas we hold. Whether we like it or not, we are called to interdependence by the very nature of being human in North America. And when interdependence is rooted in equity, we move beyond survival and into true collective thriving. Read more from Kris on her monthly Circles USA blog, The Learning Curve Chronicles : The Science of Relationships Youth, Varying Exceptionalities, & Poverty

The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 1 Episode 1: The Overview In this season premiere, hosts Kamatara and Yvette give a brief overview of Season 1 and the Five Stages to Prosperity: Crisis Intervention, Stabilization, Readiness, Placement and Advancement. S1E1: The Overview Circles USA 00:00 / 13:43 Download Transcript

The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 1 Episode 3: Stabilization In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette delve into the second stage to prosperity, Stabilization. With imminent threats mitigated, individuals in stabilization can focus their energy on building a strong foundation for their lives. As they gather a support system and access essential services, they transition into increased self-sufficiency in all arenas, preventing a return to crisis. The Big View S1E3: Stabilization Circles USA 00:00 / 21:09 Download Transcript

In this episode, Kamatara and Kris continue a three-part series on Centering People & Purpose by diving into the third mindset of Big View: Transformational Relationships. Joining us is special guest Addie Hartnett, National Coach for Circles USA, who brings powerful insights from over a decade of experience in multiple roles across the poverty alleviation arena. What happens when we choose connection over personal gains? The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 2 Season 2 Episode 3: Transformational Relationships In this episode, Kamatara and Kris continue a three-part series on Centering People & Purpose by diving into the third mindset of Big View: Transformational Relationships. Joining us is special guest Addie Hartnett, National Coach for Circles USA, who brings powerful insights from over a decade of experience in multiple roles across the poverty alleviation arena. What happens when we choose connection over personal gains? In a world that often prioritizes quick wins and surface-level networking, we’re flipping the script. We’ll explore how transformational relationships—grounded in trust, reciprocity, and long-term commitment—can radically shift the way we approach systems change. Together, we’ll unpack the difference between transactional and transformational relationships, highlighting how meaningful, emotionally invested relationships lead to deeper impact, especially when working with policymakers, community leaders, and people experiencing poverty. This episode is a practical call to slow down, build trust, and center the human experience in all we do. Transformational relationships can offer a sustainable, equitable, and powerful path towards cultivating partnerships in your community, working with those most in need of support, and meeting with local decision-makers. The Big View: Transformational Relationships Circles USA 00:00 / 44:19 Download Transcript About the Guest Show Notes About the Guest About the Guest Addie Hartnett is a dedicated social worker and community leader with over a decade of experience in poverty alleviation and community development. They currently serve as the National Coach for Circles USA, where they support and coach Circles chapter staff across the nation. Addie began their journey with Circles in 2013 as an intern supporting the launch of what's now grown into Circles Central Florida where they currently serve as the Coordinator for Circles Orlando. Addie holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Florida State University, with a focus on Social Policy and Administration. They have also worked in various roles, including as a youth counselor, research assistant, and volunteer coordinator. Addie is passionate about creating supportive communities and has a strong commitment to social justice and equity. Show Notes Mentioned in This Episode . Show Notes