Volunteers

BUILDING COMMUNITY TO END POVERTY.

A community-driven solution to poverty.

Circles Indy is a community-driven program that works to increase upward mobility for individuals and families in poverty in Indianapolis. Based on the national Circles®USA model, the Circles initiative builds intentional relationships (social capital) across socioeconomic lines that help open up long-term pathways for economic mobility and self-sufficiency.

Circles Reduces Poverty

Circles is about building intentional relationships across income lines. While middle-income and high-income families enjoy networks of support through their jobs, schools, and neighborhoods, families living in poverty rarely develop such contacts. Many who live in poverty are hardworking and motivated. When a circle of support forms around them, advice is offered, contacts are shared, and the fears that keep people in poverty start to disappear.

Circles Changes Communities

In Circles, volunteers (known as Allies) and participants (known as Circle Leaders) grow and learn together. While participants navigate toward economic stability, volunteers receive an in-depth education on the culture of poverty and a new perspective on their community. At monthly meetings, city leaders, business owners, and other community members are invited to work together to identify, discuss, and often resolve barriers that keep people in poverty. By changing the mindset toward poverty, systems can be transformed from poverty management to poverty reduction.

We Need You!

Currently, Circles Indy is looking for Allies to work with Circle Leaders. Allies are the primary foundation of support for Circle Leaders. As an Ally, your job is to listen, ask questions, make suggestions, and be a true friend and supporter. You and 1-2 other Allies will help Circle Leaders use their unique gifts and skills to reach their goals, and Circle Leaders will help you better understand poverty in your community.

Learn more at Indy Circles. We look forward to hearing from you!