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This episode is the final installment in our 3-part series on Centering People and Purpose. Special guests Andrew Sprock and Kayla Johnson (of Circles Grant County in Marion, Indiana) join Kamatara and Kris for a conversation about the vital role of Narrative Change in Big View work.
Faced with critical issues after only a few years, Circles Grant County recognized that doing “business as usual” wasn’t going to move them forward. They found themselves in a moment of crisis: funding had dropped significantly, some Circle Leaders were experiencing discouraging challenges, and the Matched Circles weren’t gaining the traction they had hoped for.
In response, they launched a storytelling team and began hosting monthly story nights. This intentional shift has propelled their chapter's success—strengthening relationships, boosting fundraising efforts, and reshaping the larger community narrative about poverty.
Tune in for this powerful discussion on the transformative impact of creating space and support for people to share their stories. -
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. -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode, Executive Director Kamatara Johnson and Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander kick off a three-part series on Centering People & Purpose, starting with the second mindset of Big View: Values-Based Organizing.
What happens when we lead with what we stand for, not just what we stand against? Join us as we explore how shared values can be a powerful foundation for organizing work that inspires hope, unity, and real community systems change.
We’ll break down the difference between traditional organizing and values-based organizing, share real-life examples from our own experiences and Circles communities, and dig into why centering values helps us keep people and purpose at the heart of what we do.
This isn’t just theory—it’s a practical shift that can reshape how we design campaigns, engage communities, and imagine solutions that include everyone, not just a few. Whether you’re new to organizing or a longtime changemaker, this episode will ground you in the “why” of values-based strategy. -
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. 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.
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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 Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander and Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, along with 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! -
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. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In this season premiere, Kamatara and Yvette give a brief overview of Season 1 and the 5 Stages to Prosperity: Crisis Intervention, Stabilization, Readiness, Placement and Advancement.
