Skagit Circles Initiative

Our sponsoring organization, Skagit County Community Action, is so excited to launch a new way to end poverty in our community!

We were inspired by our friends at Community Action in Idaho.  Here is a video they created on the Circles initiative:

A Circle is a supportive friendship across class lines, made up of one Circle Leader who is living on a low-income and three or four Circle Allies who are living on a middle-class income. A Circle typically meets once or twice a month to work toward achieving the Circle Leader's plans for moving out of poverty.

About the Circles^® Initiative

Circles^® is an innovative campaign to eliminate poverty that is active in dozens of locations throughout the country. A local Guiding Coalition provides the framework to increase the emotional and financial stability of participating families and reduce their use of welfare benefits. Just as importantly, Circles^® brings the experience of poverty into the hearts and minds of community members and leaders, taking us one step closer to a national commitment to end poverty.

How it Works

Circle Leaders and Allies are matched by their talents and interests and are each asked to make an 18 month commitment. Everyone is expected to meet with his or her Circle at least once a month. In addition, Leaders are asked to attend the weekly Community Meeting. Children's programming and dinner are provided during this time. It is the connection formed during these meetings with Allies and other Leaders that builds respect and understanding, linking people together to end poverty one family at a time.

How do I get involved?

• Join the Guiding Coalition
• Volunteer as an Ally to a person moving out of poverty
• Provide a meal for a weekly meeting
• Volunteer to provide childcare for a weekly meeting
• Donate

For more information, contact Quinn Slayton at the Skagit Volunteer Center.

A community calendar for upcoming Circles events: