Become an Ally

Make a difference in someone's life just by becoming their friend.

 

Allies Change Lives

The friendship of an Ally makes a real difference to Circle Leaders and their families. Allies are a reliable source of encouragement and support for Circle Leaders as they follow a plan towards self-sufficiency. As an Ally, you will be in contact with your Circle Leader on an ongoing basis and together you will attend progress checks and meetings with the broader Circles® community. Allies come from all walks of life and find the role very rewarding.

Interested? Fill out our form.
 

  • The Role of a Circle Ally

    Circle Leaders are most successful when they have people in their lives to support them. Allies do this in many different ways according to aspects such as availability, skills and personality. Allies empower their Circle Leader by:

    • Being a friend

    • Offering emotional support as needed

    • Helping evaluate and clarify goals into manageable steps

    • Sharing life experience and advice when asked

    • Meeting at least once each month with their Circle Leader outside of Circles®.

    Allies commit to attending at least one Circles® meeting per month, passing a background check, attending a training session and ‘Bridges out of Poverty’ workshop, and befriending their Circle Leader.

  • Benefits of Becoming an Ally

    By serving as an Ally, volunteers have an opportunity to work closely with one family and make a real difference in their own community. Allies have the unique chance to build meaningful relationships across income lines and witness the impact of their work first-hand. Allies join the broader Circles® community and can serve as individuals, couples or families. Dinner and children’s programming are also provided for all volunteers and their children at each Circles® meeting.

    The toughest challenge a Circle Ally faces is the instinct to ‘rescue’ Circle Leaders. Circle Leaders cannot learn to cope with the hurdles that block their pathway if a well-meaning ally tries to ‘fix’ the problems. Instead, the Ally’s role is to walk beside the Circle Leader, helping link to the resources and support necessary for the Circle Leader to be successful.

Interested? Fill out our form.

 FAQs

What is the time commitment for Allies?

In general you will spend 4-6 hours with your Circle Leader and Circle each month. This time is expected to be spent in two to three 2-hour Circles community weekly meetings and individual meet ups with your Circle (Circle Leader and Allies). Time commitment can vary from Ally to Ally and we work with each Circle to find a process that works best for all members.

How long does my commitment to my Circle last?

Unless circumstances dictate otherwise (e.g. relationship conflict or life-changing situation), you will be expected to be a part of your Circle for a minimum of 18 months and your role will start with a 3-month probationary period. It takes time to get to know a person or family and develop the trust necessary for this model to work. It also takes time for Circle Leaders to move from poverty to economic self-sufficiency. Every person and their journey is different.

What supports will I receive?

The Circle Coach is available to Allies for regular check-ins and support. Support meetings can also be scheduled as a part of Community Meetings for Allies who feel they need a little extra help as they work with Circle Leaders. No one should struggle alone; support is always available and it is important to ask for help when needed. Volunteer Allies will be supervised and supported by the Coach.

Am I expected to make a monetary donation to my Circle Leader?

Allies provide relationship and non-monetary support for the Circle Leader. They are encouraged not to give money as the aim of Circles® is to increase economic self-sufficiency. You will not be expected to do anything that is above and beyond your own boundaries.

How is the Circle Leader’s progress evaluated?

A Circle Leader’s progress is evaluated during regular Progress Checks and recorded on their Progress Report over the duration of their participation in Circles. Reviews are completed in conjunction with the Coach, Circle Leader and Allies every six months.

How will our Circle know when the Leader is ready to graduate?

In most cases, this will become evident through circumstances. The Circle Leader will have surmounted the obstacles holding them back and will have reached all or most of their goals set during Progress Checks. The decision for a Leader to leave Circles will be undertaken in consultation with the Circle Leaders, Allies and Coach.

Circles South Muskoka Family Fun Night

“Participating in Circles® has been a meaningful learning experience. I have learned about the challenges our leaders face and the difficulties and biases encountered when trying to navigate a path forward.”

— Circles® Muskoka Ally

  • For the past two years I have had the privilege of participating as a volunteer “Ally” in the Huntsville Circles® program. Throughout the two years, despite the challenges of the pandemic, the benefits of being a part of the Circles® community, for all involved, has become increasingly apparent. Within the community there is a spirit of caring, empowerment, support and sharing ideas which in turn builds a foundation that encourages and develops self esteem, competency and coping strategies.

    Participating in Circles® has been a meaningful learning experience. I have learned about the challenges our leaders face and the difficulties and biases encountered when trying to navigate a path forward. I have learned how life events have stacked up and resulted in these individuals living in circumstances they had never imagined possible. These life events could and do happen to many, but the reality of not having a supportive social and economic network magnifies the impacts experienced by Circle leaders.

    Most importantly I have learned to recognize and respect the resilience, strength and tenacity demonstrated by Circle leaders, and the real, life-changing significance the Circles® community plays in their efforts and determination to move forward.

Become an Ally

Are you interested in becoming a Circle Ally? Contact us! The best way you can learn more about becoming an Ally is to fill out our application - one of our staff will get back to you to schedule a meeting. Allies are provided with full training and ongoing support via Circles staff.