Circles USA
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Let’s talk about budgeting! I know, it’s probably your favorite topic, right *Note: This is not a paid endorsement and Circles USA has no affiliate relationship with YNAB. A lot of times, middle- and upper-income individuals believe that people in poverty are just bad at budgeting. I often hear things like, “If they just set and kept to a budget, they would be able to…X”. Get out of poverty, go to…
Each year, Circles USA celebrates the United Nations’ International Youth Day on August 12 “to recognize efforts of the world’s youth in enhancing global society,” and “to promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities.” Circles knows that building community to end poverty starts with uplifting the people who feel the effects of…
At Circles, we know that leadership is more than a natural talent or a paid professional role. It’s the cumulative process of weaving each setback and success we meet into a consistent, goal-focused practice that benefits the whole collective. The more deeply we root our identity in service to our families, chapters, and communities, the more we distinguish ourselves as leaders within these groups…
A few weeks ago—just in time for the annual International Day of Friendship—I had the opportunity to visit one of my closest friends in person. (For privacy purposes, I’ll call her “Joan”.) Joan and I became friends back in 2021 through the spiritual organization we are both a part of. I was looking for volunteers to guest present virtually in my community, and Joan showed up. I thought at first…
In addition to uplifting our own intentional friendships as a cornerstone of poverty alleviation, Circles USA salutes this year’s International Day of Friendship (July 30th) by sharing some inspiring words and readings from the United Nations. The UN, who first proclaimed the day of observance in 2011, hopes to promote “the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals…
At Circles, we know that leadership is more than a natural talent or a paid professional role. It’s the cumulative process of weaving each setback and success we meet into a consistent, goal-focused practice that benefits the whole collective. The more deeply we root our identity in service to our families, chapters, and communities, the more we distinguish ourselves as leaders within these groups…
For 25+ years, Circles USA’s mission has been building community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change led by the people closest to the challenge. Circles participants at every level—from Board to full-time staff, volunteers, and partners—bring critical lived experiences of poverty and championing the people seeking to leave it behind for…
Circles USA is committed to the ongoing work of shining thoughtful, in-depth spotlights at the many intersections of poverty and identity. We are pleased to honor Pride 2026 with a look at LGBTQIA2S+ (now familiarly referred to as “queer”) youth and their growing risk of homelessness in communities throughout the U.S. Pride Month is historically “celebrated throughout the month of June each year…
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…
We are looking for outstanding Allies and volunteers to feature in our Leadership Development Spotlight blog series! The Circles model uniquely develops leadership—not only for Circle Leaders, but for our Allies and volunteers as well. Our Leadership Development Spotlight series shares the stories of members who have stepped into leadership roles at the chapter, regional, and national levels. To…
