The Circles Model
Circles® Muskoka is a community collaborative committed to the reduction of poverty by harnessing the power of relationship.
What is Circles?
Circles® is a proven and innovative way of connecting people across socioeconomic lines in an effort to move individuals and families out of poverty. It is uniquely designed to help low-income individuals expand their social capital while bringing people together in solidarity to reduce barriers in the community that prevent Circle Leaders from moving forward.
Circles® matches individuals and families who self-identify as experiencing poverty and who have attended the Getting Ahead program with community volunteers who have attended Bridges Out of Poverty training.
How It Works
A Circle is made up of a Circle Leader (individual or family moving out of poverty) and 2-4 Circle Allies (stable income volunteers) who work alongside the Circle Leader to support them in achieving their goals.
Prior to forming a Matched Circle group, all potential Circle Leaders and Allies complete training that prepares them for the Circles® process. After successfully completing training, Circle Leaders are matched with their Allies and begin meeting weekly for social support, skill development, goal progress monitoring, and community building.
The Three Pillars
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Getting Ahead
This is a 12-15 week initiative for individuals self-identifying as experiencing poverty. The course is designed to help ‘investigators’ gain ownership of their lives, develop a greater understanding of their situation and poverty in the community, and to create a future story for themselves. Some Getting Ahead graduates may transition into Circles®.
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Bridges out of Poverty
Bridges Out of Poverty is a workshop designed for community individuals, educators, leaders and volunteers. Participants gain an understanding of the strengths and challenges of people living in poverty, the hidden cues and codes of different income groups in society, and the realities of poverty. Participants have the option of volunteering as an ally in Circles®.
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Circles
This is a practical initiative where individuals and families who self identify as experiencing poverty meet weekly, share a meal and build relationships with Allies. A ‘matched circle’ consisting of a Circle Leader and two to four Allies works to build intentional, reciprocal relationships. Together they implement their plan of change, expand opportunities and work to remove community barriers.
Social Capital
Social capital refers to our relationships, social connections and social networks, and the value they bring to us. These networks provide us with access to resources and benefits, and people use their social capital to make connections for jobs, find information, or get connected to the right resources. Social capital is integral to the Circles® Model.
How much social capital do you have? Take the quiz here.
“I have grown so much and I have Circles® to thank for a lot of the growth I have done. I now have a voice and I actually feel heard. I am able to speak up for the issues that are important. Circles® has changed my life for the better.”
— Circle Leader