C I R C L E

CIRCLE achieves its mission to facilitate connections between inclusive, responsive communities who are leading education on a daily basis. We do this through our ongoing activities in three basic areas: youth leadership development (STAMP: Students Taking Action & Making Progress) social justice programs, transformative 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 providing brave, safe spaces where people can be their authentic selves and deepen their understanding and strategies for sparking positive social change. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Youth Leadership Programs (STAMP) 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, activism, allyship, and more -- centered in co-creation and collective care. Each STAMP program builds on each other through an identity journey, letting students develop a multifaceted understanding of their leadership and how to spark positive change in their communities. Program provides: Youth Leadership Summer Camps; 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, Student Organizer, volunteers from schools and community, and student leaders to ensure true co-creation and leadership for young people. Program funded by: Funding comes from school sponsorships, fee for service (to participate in camps or attend the fall conference as middle school student), and individual donations, community sponsorships, and grants. Workplace & Organizational Training and Consulting The CIRCLE Consulting team is a cadre of experts, who provide hands-on training and support around developing culturally 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 transforming institutions and systems through a collaborative, co-created approach. We will work with partners to self-identify their needs and dedication to improving, increasing, and bettering their overall commitment to their inclusiveness goals. Program provides: Hands-on learning, coaching, and trainings 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 through the CIRCLE Cultural Café which is an annual diversity and inclusiveness 'un-conference' for community leaders, educators, board members, parents, and students committed to building more inclusive communities to come together to engage in shared learning, listening, and leadership. Program provides: An annual CIRCLE Cultural Café is a 'un-conference' type experience for adult learners to connect and expand their understanding of equity, social change, and transformational leadership. This year we added a Community Networking event as well to support young people to build confidence, comfort, and network with trusted adults from the community. 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. The Community Networking event was also in person held at a partner location in Denver. Program run by: CIRCLE Executive Director and Director of Programs & Operations 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, 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 and 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.