Circles ABQ: Circle Leader Job Description
An initiative of Cuidando Los Niños
Circle Leader
Circle Leader: an individual or family who is committed to moving out of poverty and reaching 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, has completed Circle Leader Training, and is ready to share his or her story to support systemic changes within the community.
The Circle Leader commitment:
- Complete Circles orientation
- Complete 12-week Circle Leader Training
- Commit to be part of Circles for a minimum of 18 months
- Attend weekly meetings
- Identify ways to contribute to Circles
- Make progress on specific goals
The Circle Leader receives:
- Orientation and Circle Leader Training
- Tools that help with managing money and time more effectively
- Training in communication skills for effective relationships
- Caring Allies to join this journey towards self-sufficiency
- Weekly meetings in which meals and children’s programming are provided
- Trained staff available to answer questions and provide support
- Commitment of confidentiality for personal and financial information
Be sensitive of differences across class and cultural lines:
- Remember that Allies may not have any experience with poverty and may make mistakes.
- Remember that the Allies in the Circle are friends, not social workers. Don’t expect them to “fix” the situation or rescue.
- When there are strong feelings about others, be willing to look at how your personal fears or expectations are being activated and talk to your coach or other Circles staff.
