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The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Special Episodes Special Episode: Bootstraps or Benefits? What’s the real answer to poverty in our country? Ask anyone, and you’ll get an opinion—likely a different one from each person. Some argue that individual responsibility and "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" is the way forward; others believe a robust social safety net (in the form of benefits, programs, philanthropy, etc.) is the only way to ensure everyone has a fair chance. So, what’s the “right” answer? At Circles USA, we believe the solution isn’t a single answer, but rather all of these perspectives deployed wisely and in conversation with each other. Poverty is complex, and its roots are varied. Our approach must be as diverse as the causes—a resounding “both/and” that resonates across the political spectrum, embracing both self-sufficiency and social support as community-rooted values. In this episode, we’ll explore how we can bridge divides, listen to differing perspectives, and build a path forward that truly aligns with a spectrum of shared values and goals. The Big View: Bootstraps or Benefits_ Circles USA 00:00 / 32:12 Download Transcript Show Notes Mentioned in this Episode Bootstraps and Benefits: What the Right and Left Understand about Poverty and How We Can Work Together for Lasting Solutions by Scott C. Miller

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

The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 1 Episode 6: Advancement In the final episode of Season 1, we wrap up our journey through the five stages to prosperity with the last stage, Advancement. Here, individuals have now moved out of survival mode, built a foundation to withstand future crises, found purpose and belonging, and have reached a point of peaceful satisfaction and self-actualization. Kamatara and Yvette share how we can co-create equitable, thriving communities where poverty no longer exists, as is the vision of Circles USA. The Big View S1E6: Advancement Circles USA 00:00 / 18:03 Download Transcript

The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 1 Episode 4: Readiness In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette explore the third stage to prosperity, Readiness, when individuals have the breathing space to make conscious choices about their futures. During this promising time, they can begin reconnecting with their dreams and tap into support networks to find new opportunities for personal and career growth. The Big View S1E4: Stabilization Circles USA 00:00 / 19:52 Download Transcript

The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 1 Episode 5: Placement In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette dig into the fourth stage to prosperity, Placement. During this stage, individuals bring their newly gained skills and confidence into a workplace and community where they can have an impact, experiencing rich mutual reciprocity and a deep sense of belonging. The Big View S1E5: Placement Circles USA 00:00 / 15:10 Download Transcript

The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 1 Episode 2: Crisis Intervention In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette illustrate the first stage to prosperity, Crisis Intervention, emphasizing the importance of addressing immediate crises with the necessary interventions, support, and resources to help individuals move into stability. They also touch on the stigma that individuals are often battling in this phase and the valuable role that community can play in combating internalized shame. The Big View S1E2: Crisis Intervention Circles USA 00:00 / 15:41 Download Transcript

The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Special Episodes Special Episode: Effective Systems Change What does Systems Change really mean, and how do we create it in ways that are transformative, long-lasting, and impactful at every level of society? Systems change addresses the root structures and policies that shape our lives, affecting everyone from those directly impacted by laws to those who hold the power to make them. But how do we create meaningful change that brings together perspectives across the political spectrum for a shared goal—reducing and ultimately eradicating poverty? In this special episode, join Kris, Kamatara, and special guest Michelle Crawford of Circles Salt Lake, as they dive into the essentials of systems change. We’ll explore the meanings and nuances of systems change; discuss strategies for bringing it to life in our communities; and share insights on how to create it in ways that are transformative, long-lasting, and impactful at every level of society. Tune in to discover practical steps to help reshape the systems that impact us all! The Big View: Effective Systems Change Circles USA 00:00 / 42:53 Download Transcript About the Guest Show Notes About the Guest About the Guest Michelle Crawford is the Executive Director of Circles Salt Lake , where prior to stepping into her position in 2022, she served as a volunteer in various capacities since the chapter’s inception in 2017. Professionally, Michelle strives for positive results through the application of her abilities in leadership and effective communication. Michelle is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and possesses an aptitude for optimizing relationships and motivating others. Michelle is a Regional Coach for Circles USA's western region, supporting chapters in Utah, California, and Nebraska. Show Notes Show Notes Mentioned in This Episode Ideos Institute - Empathic Intelligence Dr. Evie Trevino - The Science of Hope Find a Circles Chapter

Join Circles USA’s Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander, and special guest Patty Herndon, Big View Chair and Circle Leader from Circles Davis County, as they explore the critical importance of centering those most impacted by the challenges of poverty. The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 2 Season 2 Episode 1: Centering Those Closest to the Challenge Join Kamatara, Kris, and special guest Patty Herndon, Big View Chair and Circle Leader from Circles Davis County, as they explore the critical importance of centering those most impacted by the challenges of poverty. Together, they discuss how elevating lived experiences and amplifying the perspectives of strategically undervalued individuals can drive meaningful systems change, creating a more equitable and effective path of upward mobility for your community. At Circles, we understand that those closest to the challenge are closest to the solution—and everyone has a role to play in building an equitable and prosperous society. The Big View: Centering Those Closest to the Challenge Circles USA 00:00 / 44:19 Download Transcript About the Guest Show Notes About the Guest About the Guest Patty Herndon Hi, I am Patty Herndon. I am a multi-talented mother of 5 beautiful children from age 10-24. I lost my 24 year marriage over an affair and I fell into a major mental health struggle. In 2023, in some of my darkest days a friend found the "Circles" group in Clearfield Utah on the 211 list for my area. I walked into the meeting in March with little hope and expectation. I kept going. The Circles group created a safe place for me to be - with people, I wasn't isolating as much. There haven't been many skills that they have taught that I didn't already know and have used in the past - but in the open and safe environment, I was able to flourish. I got involved with the Big View resource group in June of 2024. I am an optimist in an extrovert soul! So I started learning about what Big View was about :). It was a bit difficult, because the group had really not 'done much' with Big View. They had had success supporting a bill in the legislature - but that was years ago. I took on this beautiful opportunity to lead the resource team. I have been working bit by bit with our Circles Leaders to get them involved in voicing their story and seeing that they CAN be a movement for change. To ask for the things that they need and want. To not settle for just what is "there". I hope to continue to support this wonderful Circles group and hopefully pull others out of their own dark times. Show Notes Show Notes Mentioned in This Episode Beyond the Cliff Coalition Cliff Effect One-Pager What is the Cliff Effect? | Explainer Video Find a Circles Chapter

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The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community Helping you gain a deeper understanding of the experience of poverty and how to make a real difference in your community. Latest Episode Centering Those Closest to the Challenge Join Kamatara, Kris, and special guest Patty Herndon, Big View Chair and Circle Leader from Circles Davis County, as they explore the critical importance of centering those most impacted by the challenges of poverty. Together, they discuss how elevating lived experiences and amplifying the perspectives of strategically undervalued individuals can drive meaningful systems change, creating a more equitable and effective path of upward mobility for your community. At Circles, we understand that those closest to the challenge are closest to the solution—and everyone has a role to play in building an equitable and prosperous society. Listen Now Season Two: The Big View Mindset Join Circles USA’s Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander, Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, and a cohort of poverty alleviation guest experts as they dive into the transformative mindset and culture that drive Circles’ Big View approach. Together, our team explores how intentional mindsets and values can inspire lasting systemic change and fuel our movement to eradicate poverty. At Circles, we believe that everyone can make a meaningful impact—and everyone has a role to play in the journey to reduce poverty. Special Episodes Season One: The 5 Stages to Prosperity After 25 years in the anti-poverty arena, Circles USA has noticed a pattern: Moving from surviving to thriving involves five key stages: Crisis Intervention, Stabilization, Readiness, Placement and Advancement. In Season One of The Big View Podcast, Circles USA's Executive Director, Kamatara Johnson, and former Chief Integrity Officer, Yvette Trujillo, unpack these five stages to help you understand how your community can support individuals and families on this journey.