%%awsomnews0%%
The Northwest Circles™ Campaign of Bonner County envisions all people having enough money, relationships and meaning in their lives to thrive. It is part of a nation-wide effort to eradicate poverty in America. Initiated by Move the Mountain, the Circles Campaign strives to transform communities by building relationships that inspire and equip people to end poverty.
The Northwest Circles™ Campaign is a high impact strategy that:
1. Changes the mindset of the community.
2. Gives people in poverty a voice.
3. Changes the systemic barriers that keep people in poverty.
According to a report from the Center for American Progress, our nation spends $500B a year on the fallout of children being raised in poverty. 2005 figures show that Idaho spent $25+M in Health & Welfare services in Bonner County. If we invest a portion of this fallout in the solutions that help people become economically stable, imagine how our community would change.
A CIRCLE is comprised of an individual or family (circle leaders) working to get out of poverty and two to four community volunteers, (circle allies) who are willing to be friends with the family and support it’s members in their ongoing efforts to develop the emotional, financial, intellectual, and spiritual resources necessary for self-sufficiency and stability. It is a supportive, intentional, reciprocal, befriending relationship. A CIRCLE typically meets once or twice a month to build friendships and to work on the Circle Leader’s dreams, plans and goals.