The Policy Circle

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 thei

r 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.

Back-to-school season is here, and along with the new folders and sneakers come important questions about technology in ...
08/31/2026

Back-to-school season is here, and along with the new folders and sneakers come important questions about technology in the classroom.

How are devices being used? What’s the policy on personal phones? How is student data handled? What online-safety protections are in place?

These are normal, helpful questions for parents to ask. We have free, practical resources to help you feel prepared for those conversations.

Explore them here: https://www.thepolicycircle.org/protecting-children-online-resources/

08/30/2026

250 years in.
The next 250 will be shaped locally.
Know how government actually works.
Then use your voice with precision.
CLER: confidence, tools, community.
Apply tonight. August 30.
https://www.thepolicycircle.org/cler-learn/

When Kierstin Silva's son asked if he could bring his iPad to camp because he was the only child without one, it prompte...
08/29/2026

When Kierstin Silva's son asked if he could bring his iPad to camp because he was the only child without one, it prompted a bigger question: What kind of children are we raising in a digital world?

In a new Miami Herald op-ed, Kierstin, a mother of three and Co-Chair of the Miami Policy Circle, reflects on how technology is changing childhood and what that means for parents, schools, technology companies, and policymakers.

Her message isn't to reject technology, but to make sure technology serves childhood rather than replaces it.

We're proud to see a Policy Circle leader bringing her perspective to this important conversation.
Read the op-ed: https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article317046120.html

08/28/2026

This week’s Meta settlement is getting a lot of attention - and it should.

Default time limits. Nighttime blocks. Stronger age checks. Billions set aside for youth safety work. Those are not small changes.

They also don’t answer the question most parents are actually asking: “What do we do in our house, in our schools, and in our communities?”

Childhood has changed. Our responsibility to protect and equip kids has not.

Watch Kristen Williamson break down this settlement. Then check out our resources if you want a grounded place to start.
https://www.thepolicycircle.org/protecting-children-online-resources/

08/28/2026

You already know how to lead under pressure.

The Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap program is how women in the military community apply that same discipline to civic life, whether serving on school boards, advisory councils, or in nonprofits in their community.

3 months. 100% virtual. Built around deployments, moves, and real life.

Fall cohort starts Sept 1. Applications close this Sunday, August 30.

Apply: thepolicycircle.org/cler-military-learn

08/27/2026

You don’t have to hold office to lead.

Nicki found her path through CLER: channel her gifts into service, gain the tools to act, and become the support that helps her community thrive.

Last days to apply for Fall. Deadline: This Sunday, August 30.
https://www.thepolicycircle.org/cler-learn/

08/26/2026

Today we’re hosting Circle discussions during the SPN Annual Meeting on protecting children online and data centers. Both issues are shaping daily life for families and communities.

If you are attending, we would love for you to join us and learn more.

Next week, The Policy Circle is heading to Orlando for the State Policy Network Annual Meeting.We’re excited to put our ...
08/21/2026

Next week, The Policy Circle is heading to Orlando for the State Policy Network Annual Meeting.

We’re excited to put our Briefs into action through Circle conversations on two timely issues: protecting children online and data centers. Together, we’ll explore the opportunities, challenges, and policy questions surrounding these issues — and how informed citizens can engage in decisions happening in their own communities.

We’re also looking forward to one of the best parts of gathering in person: reconnecting with women across The Policy Circle community and from other organizations that share our dedication to civic engagement.

Looking forward to the conversations ahead!

A few stories catching our attention right now:Meta is facing a major trial over claims that its platforms were built to...
08/21/2026

A few stories catching our attention right now:

Meta is facing a major trial over claims that its platforms were built to keep kids scrolling and that the company downplayed the mental health risks.

The U.S. national debt just hit $40 trillion for the first time ever.

Florida schools may soon need clearer rules around AI use as the Department of Education pushes districts to update their internet safety guidelines.

Primary results from Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming showed a mix of outcomes for progressive candidates and those endorsed by President Trump.

And some encouraging news: eight Idaho teens turned their viral summer account into a real effort to clean up the Boise River.

Which of these stories are you following?

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