The Policy Circle

Directions Website Contact the organization

The Policy Circle This grassroots movement is fueled by our local leaders who gather women in small groups to facilitate productive and welcoming conversations.

The Policy Circle ignites women's courage by equipping them with the information and tools they need to take ownership of solutions to the issues facing their communities. Founded in 2015, The Policy Circle is a cultural, educational, non-political organization that provides a fact-based, nonpartisan framework that inspires women to connect, learn about and discuss public policies that impact their lives. In five years we have grown to a national organization with 350 circles in 42 states. The Policy Circle’s roundtable discussions empower women to become more vocal in public policy dialogue and civic engagement within their community, their state and their country. Our programs include fact-based briefs on a variety of local and national issues, virtual programming with thought leaders, leadership training for our circle leaders, and a Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap (CLER), a proprietary, experiential leadership program that takes participants from having general civic knowledge to becoming civic leaders. CLER is a program designed for impact-driven professionals dedicated to making change through civic action.

A heads-up for Ohio, and for anyone watching this issue. The state has about half of the data center ballot measures in ...
10/14/2026

A heads-up for Ohio, and for anyone watching this issue. The state has about half of the data center ballot measures in this midterm. Voters in 18 communities will decide 21 local questions on November 3. Whether you are voting on one or talking with a city council member, our Citizen’s Guide lays out questions worth asking about electricity, water, taxes, and daily life. https://www.thepolicycircle.org/data-centers-resources/

Decisions land better when they are made closer to the people they affect. State Policy Network’s 2026 Federalism Scorec...
10/12/2026

Decisions land better when they are made closer to the people they affect. State Policy Network’s 2026 Federalism Scorecard shows which states are best equipped to hold that line, and where work remains. Utah ranks first. Alaska ranks last. More states now require lawmakers to approve major regulations, yet no state fully accounts for the unreimbursed costs of federal grants before accepting them. A practical read for anyone who wants a clearer picture of how their state governs. https://spn.org/federalism-scorecard-2026-announcement/

10/12/2026

How can government funding produce improvements that last beyond a single budget cycle?

Emily Domenech, executive director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, discussed her team’s decision to direct more funding toward technology that can reduce repetitive work and help agencies complete permitting reviews more efficiently.

It is one example of how government leaders are considering the role technology can play in improving public processes.

The questions you’ve been asking about data centers are the same kinds of questions citizens face across public policy: ...
10/09/2026

The questions you’ve been asking about data centers are the same kinds of questions citizens face across public policy: What’s happening? What are the tradeoffs? Who makes the decision? And where can I have a voice?

The Policy Circle helps women answer those questions: https://www.thepolicycircle.org/data-centers-resources/

Do you live in North Carolina? If so, make sure you’re aware that voter registration closes today, October 9, at 5 p.m.I...
10/09/2026

Do you live in North Carolina? If so, make sure you’re aware that voter registration closes today, October 9, at 5 p.m.

If you are eligible and want to vote by mail or on Election Day, November 3, make sure you are registered. Check your status or sign up at ncsbe.gov. A few minutes now saves a scramble later!

If you miss Friday, same-day registration is available at early voting sites starting October 15.

Congratulations to Brittany Willer, a graduate of this summer’s Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap (CLER) cohort, on he...
10/08/2026

Congratulations to Brittany Willer, a graduate of this summer’s Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap (CLER) cohort, on her appointment to the City of Salina’s planning commission!

Brittany already serves her community through the Salina Area Emergency Aid Food Bank and Ashby House boards. During CLER, she identified another opportunity to contribute and applied to the planning commission.

She initially wondered whether she knew enough about municipal planning to serve. Through the application process, she recognized the value of her skills, experience and willingness to learn. CLER gave her encouragement and confidence to take that step.

Now, she’s bringing that willingness to listen, ask questions and contribute to a new role helping shape Salina’s future. We’re proud to celebrate this next step in her service!

Let’s be honest: most of us use data centers every single day without thinking about them. What’s changed is how big the...
10/08/2026

Let’s be honest: most of us use data centers every single day without thinking about them.

What’s changed is how big these projects are getting and how quickly communities are being asked to decide.

We’ve created a Citizen’s Guide that walks through the opportunities, the challenges, and the questions worth asking.

You don’t have to be an expert to have a voice. You just need information. Read it here: https://www.thepolicycircle.org/data-centers-resources/

Data centers aren’t just a legislative issue. They’re also showing up on local ballots this November. 35 measures are be...
10/07/2026

Data centers aren’t just a legislative issue. They’re also showing up on local ballots this November. 35 measures are before voters in 7 states, with Ohio accounting for 21 of them. Take a look at Ballotpedia for more:
https://ballotpedia.org/Data_center-related_ballot_measures,_2026

We’re excited to welcome our new Director of Operations, Carrie Leggins!Carrie brings more than a decade of experience h...
10/03/2026

We’re excited to welcome our new Director of Operations, Carrie Leggins!

Carrie brings more than a decade of experience helping mission-driven organizations build strong teams and thoughtful systems, most recently as Chief Administrative Officer at the John Locke Foundation.

We are glad to have her join our team!

Friendly reminder: voter registration deadlines for the November 3 election start next week.Deadlines can differ for onl...
10/02/2026

Friendly reminder: voter registration deadlines for the November 3 election start next week.

Deadlines can differ for online, mail, and in-person registration.

Look up your state and make sure you are ready to vote: https://vote.gov/

Address

1189 Wilmette Avenue, #210
Wilmette, IL
60091

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Policy Circle posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The Policy Circle:

Shortcuts

Share

Category