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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

In Part 2 of our conversation with Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication, we continue exploring the role of empathic intelligence—this time focusing on its importance in navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict. Together, we dive into some passages from Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication to reflect on how empathy lives in our bodies, relationships, and communities. We explore how empathic intelligence helps us The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 2 Season 2 Episode 6: Empathic Intelligence (Pt.2) In Part 2 of our conversation with Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication , we continue exploring the role of empathic intelligence—this time focusing on its importance in navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict. Together, we dive into some passages from Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication to reflect on how empathy lives in our bodies, relationships, and communities. We explore how empathic intelligence helps us stay grounded in our own experience while remaining open to others, especially in high-stakes or emotionally charged situations. We talk about what it means to listen beyond words, how to honor boundaries while staying connected, and the role of nervous system regulation in truly showing up for one another. Meenadchi shares practical tools and deep wisdom for anyone looking to lead with compassion without bypassing conflict or complexity. This episode invites us to rethink how we relate: not just to each other, but to ourselves, to systems, and to the possibility of collective healing. The Big View S2E6: Empathic Intelligence (Pt.2) Circles USA 00:00 / 38:44 Download Transcript About the Guest Show Notes About the Guest About the Guest Meenadchi (she/her) is a healing practitioner, TEDx speaker, and the author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication, a widely respected guide that reinterprets traditional NVC through a decolonial, trauma-informed, and body-centered lens. With a background in clinical mental health and a commitment to ancestral healing, Meenadchi brings over a decade of facilitation experience to spaces that seek to center collective care, relational integrity, and embodied communication. Show Notes Meenadchi’s work has supported thousands of people across diverse communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and system-impacted groups, as well as educators, therapists, and nonprofit leaders. Her signature facilitation style integrates somatic awareness, values-based inquiry, and ancestral technologies to support deep transformation. Her work guides learners to move beyond scripted language into communication that honors dignity, integrity, and interdependence. Show Notes Mentioned in This Episode Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication by Meenadchi Kazu Haga - Empathizing with oppressors Social Change Ecosystem Map - Deepa Iyer Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg

What if hope isn't just an emotion we feel, but a skill grounded in science that we can understand and cultivate? To kick off Season 3 of The Big View, hosts Kris and Kamatara sit down with quantitative psychologist and hope expert Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino to explore the fascinating intersection of hope, resilience, trauma, and neurobiology. Together, they unpack what hope actually is, why it matters in the context of poverty alleviation, and most importantly, how we can nurture it within our The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Special Episodes Special Episode: The Science of Hope What if hope isn't just an emotion we feel, but a skill grounded in science that we can understand and cultivate? In this special episode, hosts Kris and Kamatara sit down with quantitative psychologist and hope expert Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino to explore the fascinating intersection of hope, resilience, trauma, and neurobiology. Together, they unpack what hope actually is, why it matters in the context of poverty alleviation, and most importantly, how we can nurture it within ourselves and our communities. Whether you're working toward personal transformation or systemic change, this conversation offers insights and inspiration for building a future rooted in genuine hope. SPE3: The Science of Hope ft. Dr. Evie Trevino Circles USA 00:00 / 58:07 Download Transcript About the Guest Show Notes About the Guest About the Guest Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino is a quantitative psychologist with 20 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. Formerly a senior researcher at the Hope Research Center at Oklahoma University, -Tulsa, she now holds a faculty position in the psychology department at ORU, where she continues research and evaluation. Her research explores the science of hope as a transformative mechanism, with a particular focus on individuals who have faced traumatic life events. Dr. Trevino’s love for people drew her to the field and continues to inspire her daily work. Show Notes Show Notes Mentioned in This Episode Dr. Evie Trevino - Hope Wired Find a Circles Chapter The Trauma of Money

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 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

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 / 39:30 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 Show Notes Mentioned in This Episode Rest is Resistance - Trisha Hersey

In this two-part series, Kris & Kamatara dive deep into the transformative power of empathic intelligence with special guest Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication. In Part 1, we explore what empathy and empathic intelligence truly are, including a breakdown of their two core components and the three types of empathy. We also discuss the importance of body sovereignty and boundaries in empathic practice—especially within the power The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community | Season 2 Season 2 Episode 5: Empathic Intelligence (Pt.1) In this two-part series, Kris & Kamatara dive deep into the transformative power of empathic intelligence with special guest Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication . In Part 1, we explore what empathy and empathic intelligence truly are, including a breakdown of their two core components and the three types of empathy. We also discuss the importance of body sovereignty and boundaries in empathic practice—especially within the power dynamics that often arise in poverty alleviation work. Empathy isn’t just about being nice; it’s about cultivating emotional fluency and embodied awareness to navigate difference, power, and complexity with care. Stay tuned for Part 2 in Episode 6 , where we continue the conversation with Meenadchi and explore how empathic intelligence is essential for navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict. The Big View: Empathic Intelligence (Pt.1) Circles USA 00:00 / 34:02 Download Transcript About the Guest Show Notes About the Guest About the Guest Meenadchi (she/her) is a healing practitioner, TEDx speaker, and the author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication, a widely respected guide that reinterprets traditional NVC through a decolonial, trauma-informed, and body-centered lens. With a background in clinical mental health and a commitment to ancestral healing, Meenadchi brings over a decade of facilitation experience to spaces that seek to center collective care, relational integrity, and embodied communication. Show Notes Meenadchi’s work has supported thousands of people across diverse communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and system-impacted groups, as well as educators, therapists, and nonprofit leaders. Her signature facilitation style integrates somatic awareness, values-based inquiry, and ancestral technologies to support deep transformation. Her work guides learners to move beyond scripted language into communication that honors dignity, integrity, and interdependence. Show Notes Mentioned in This Episode Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication Body Sensations List Ideos Institute - 3 Types of Empathy

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 The Science of Hope ft. Dr. Evie Muilenberg Trevino What if hope isn't just an emotion we feel, but a skill grounded in science that we can understand and cultivate? In this special episode, hosts Kris and Kamatara sit down with quantitative psychologist and hope expert Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino to explore the fascinating intersection of hope, resilience, trauma, and neurobiology. Together, they unpack what hope actually is, why it matters in the context of poverty alleviation, and most importantly, how we can nurture it within ourselves and our communities. Whether you're working toward personal transformation or systemic change, this conversation offers insights and inspiration for building a future rooted in genuine hope. 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. Episode 1 Centering Those Closest to the Challenge ft. Patty Herndon Episode 2 Values-Based Organizing Episode 3 Transformational Relationships ft. Addie Hartnett Episode 4 Narrative Change ft. Circles Grant County Episode 5 Empathic Intelligence (Pt.1) ft. Meenadchi Episode 6 Empathic Intelligence (Pt.2) ft. Meenadchi Episode 7 Appreciative Inquiry Episode 8 Generative Dialogue Special Episodes Special Episode Bootstraps or Benefits? Special Episode Effective Systems Change ft. Michelle Crawford Special Episode The Science of Hope ft. Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino 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. Episode 1 The Overview Episode 2 Crisis Intervention Episode 3 Stabilization Episode 4 Readiness Episode 5 Placement Episode 6 Advancement

Circles Members Menu: Log In Database Files Support Community Groups Courses Group Courses Files Support

Circles Members Menu: Log In Database Files Support Community Groups Courses Group Courses Files Support

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