C I R C L E

CIRCLE achieves its mission to facilitate connections between communities who are leading education on a daily basis. We do this through our ongoing activities in three key areas: youth leadership development programs, workplace development & consulting across sectors, and multigenerational learning in community. The demand for programming like this has only increased over the years, highlighting the greater need for positive leadership development. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Youth Leadership Programs CIRCLE provides year-round youth leadership opportunities for students in the Denver Metropolitan area in 7th-12th grade, who are interested in developing their leadership and practices to support their wellbeing. Each program builds on each other letting students develop a multifaceted understanding of their leadership and how to spark positive change in their communities. * Program provides: Youth Leadership Summer Camp; Student Created & Led Fall Conference to other School Communities; Year-round Youth Leadership Advisory Council; Student Created & Led One-Day Events in Community. * Programs occur: At the CIRCLE office as well as around the Denver community; meeting in community at schools and other organizations. * Program run by: CIRCLE Executive Director and Director of Programs & Operations, Programs Coordinator, Summer Youth Specialist, and 30 volunteers from schools and community. * Program funded by: Funding comes from school sponsorships, fee for service (to participate in camps or attend the fall conference as middle school student), in-kind support, and individual donations, community sponsorships, and foundation grants. Workplace & Organizational Training and Consulting The CIRCLE Consulting team is a cadre of experts, who provide hands-on training and support around developing relevant practices of planning, organizing, evaluation, and assessments across sectors (education, nonprofit, public, arts/culture, business and local groups). Our services are for community groups committed to improving their institutions and systems through a collaborative, responsive approach. We will work with organizations to identify their needs and provide guidance on how to achieve those goals. * Program provides: Hands-on learning, coaching, and training to advance inclusive, responsive practices across all aspects of their business. * Programs occur: In person at the organization's office and/or virtually based on the organization's preference and needs. * Program run by: CIRCLE Executive Director and independent contractors who are content experts in their fields. * Program funded by: Funding comes from fee for service (to receive consulting services and training). Multigenerational Learning CIRCLE offers multi-generational learning known as the CIRCLE Cultural Café. This is an annual 'un-conference' for community leaders, educators, board members, parents, and students, who are committed to building healthier communities to come together for shared learning. * Program provides: An annual CIRCLE Cultural Café is an 'un-conference' type experience for adult learners to connect and expand their understanding of social change. * Programs occur: In person. Our 'un-conference' was held at a partner location and included three different speakers discussing topics related to CIRCLE's mission as well as a small market where we invited local community businesses to promote their work. * Program run by: CIRCLE Executive Director, Director of Programs & Operations and Programs Coordinator with the support of the organization's volunteers who are passionate about life-long learning and skilled in event coordination. * Program funded by: Funding comes fee for service (to participate in conference as attendee), business sponsorships, in-kind support, and community or individual donations. CONCLUSION: The regulations governing exemption eligibility for organizations described under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code are found at 26 CFR 1.501(c)(3)-1. The term "charitable" is defined in section 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(2) to include advancement of education; eliminating prejudice and discrimination. The term educational is defined in Section 1.501(c)(3)-1(d)(3)(i) which states that educational relates to the instruction or training of the individual for the purpose of improving or developing their capabilities; or the instruction of the public on subjects useful to the individual and beneficial to the community. The described activities provided regularly by CIRCLE meets that definition of "charitable and "educational. The youth leadership development programs, organizational training and consulting, and multigenerational learning, equip individuals to take small (or large steps) in courageous conversations regarding race, ethnicity, gender, class and privilege and the challenges and opportunities these issues reveal in professional and personal settings. With more practice and exposure, with more opportunities to learn and be exposed to scholars, resources, media and peer-to-peer conversations, students, educators and other professionals will be able to create and support more inclusive cross-cultural classrooms, boardrooms, workplaces and communities.