Module 1
IN THIS LESSON
After learning who we are and what we do, you are off to a great start! Now, you may be asking what programs we offer to the community, and what our meeting spaces look like. Let’s learn together.
PROGRAMS
Circles, like other nonprofits, uses organizational jargon to refer to our clients and their support systems. You may have heard the terms Circle Leader and Circle Ally, but what do those phrases mean?
Circle Leaders are the folks who need support.
Circle Allies are the folks who volunteer to support.
Together, Leaders and Allies form intentional friendships – relationships that serve to connect clients and volunteers throughout our program. Allies guide Leaders through months of workshops, personal experiences, and the occasional hardship, until the Leaders have finished the program.
Similar to other organizations that provide social support, getting involved with Circles requires you to follow confidentiality rules that respect everyone in the organization. Ensure you are respectful in conversation, do not discuss specific members or their personal situation outside of the organization, and treat others how you want to be treated.
MEETINGS
Circles of Jackson County meets…
In the office at Cullowhee United Methodist Church (416 Central Dr, Cullowhee, NC 28723) in Room 209 on select hours or by appointment.
Every Tuesday night from 6 – 8 PM at Sylva First Presbyterian Church
These meetings are where Circle Leaders and Allies work together to update progress on SMART goals.
Meetings begin with a meal, announcements, new-and-goods, then we introduce a certain guest speaker, activity, or personal development workshop (financial literacy, home economics, career networking)
Meals are donated from various organizations across Jackson County (churches, food pantries)
Speakers are selected from relevant organizations (Comfort Keepers, Community Table, Medicaid/Medicare representatives, Jackson County government workers)
Workshops are typically focused across multiple weeks in the summer, though informative or educational meetings may be planned in advance
The first Tuesday of each month is paperwork night for Circle Leaders and Allies. The image here is from an arts-and-crafts night, which takes place when a month has a fifth Tuesday.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES