Our WHY

WOMEN ARE MORE INCLINED to BE CIVICALLY ENGAGED BUT LESS LIKELY to BE in LEADERSHIP ROLES

 

Source: The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement

WOMEN HAVE a GREATER INFLUENCE on ELECTIONS than MEN

Source: The Center for American Women and Politics

BY 2030, WOMEN will CONTROL TWO-THIRDS of the WEALTH in THE UNITED STATES

Source: McKinsey & Company

WHY WE FOCUS ON WOMEN

Women have been a significant force in American politics, consistently registering and voting at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1980. As this influential voting group continues to expand, it’s essential for women to be well-informed about policy issues and their significant impacts on society. The Policy Circle addresses this need by encouraging civic engagement and providing women with the tools to critically analyze policies, advocate for effective solutions, and take on leadership roles in their communities.

According to a 2020 McKinsey report, women will control two-thirds of household assets in the U.S. by 2030. This historic wealth transfer will exceed the U.S. annual GDP, with an estimated $30 trillion in the hands of women. With wealth comes influence. The Policy Circle wants to ensure these women are informed about the issues and prepared to exercise their influence in the civic sphere.The Policy Circle’s resources highlight how public policy shapes prosperity and opportunity. 

The Policy Circle empowers women with the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to drive solutions grounded in personal and economic freedom through roundtable discussions, leadership programs, and a vibrant network of members. By focusing on women, The Policy Circle isn’t just building leaders—it’s reshaping the future of American policy and leadership.

OUR MODEL

We inform a national audience with nonpartisan, reliable, fact-based resources.  

The 73+ Policy Circle Briefs provide relevant and accessible insights and data that boost civic literacy and clarify the day’s issues. These multi-media resources and accompanying Discussion Guides serve as the basis for roundtable conversations focused on actionable solutions. With more than 340 Circles nationwide, The Policy Circle is nurturing a vibrant community of engaged learners ready to make a difference locally.

OUR MODEL

We equip women through CLER and ASAP to increase their civic impact and serve in leadership roles.

The Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap (CLER) propels women into leadership roles at the state and local levels. Since 2020, over 370 women have participated in this virtual program, which combines small-group learning and one-on-one coaching. CLER produces civic changemakers who have launched nonprofits, built coalitions to defeat ballot initiatives, and secured elected and appointed positions.

The All-State Appointments Project (ASAP) helps women secure appointments through civic coaching, mentoring, and a peer network. With thousands of appointment opportunities each term, ASAP ensures prepared Policy Circle members step into influential roles to advocate for accountable, transparent governance.

OUR MODEL

We connect in-person and virtually through round-table conversations and engaging events across the nation.

The Policy Circle organizes engaging and influential events across the country, featuring policymakers, business leaders, and nonprofit representatives. These events connect aspiring leaders, showcase innovative solutions, and encourage local engagement. Our national community gathers annually at The Leadership Summit, which attracted over 1,000 participants both in-person and virtually in 2023. To broaden our outreach, we also host monthly virtual interactive programs that focus on specific policy issues or help develop leadership skills.

TPC’S THEORY OF CHANGE

Women who care deeply about their communities and value solutions rooted in personal and economic freedom need nonpartisan resources to enhance their understanding of important issues and the fundamentals of governance. 

With increased knowledge and a supportive community, these women often identify strategic focuses or issues they are passionate about, gaining the confidence to take on civic responsibilities. Bridging the confidence gap is essential to unlocking the potential of women who may otherwise stay on the sidelines.

Once a woman experiences the fulfillment of serving her community and witnessing tangible progress on an issue, she becomes empowered to seek greater influence and assume leadership roles in civic life. What begins as one woman’s journey in civic leadership can create a powerful force for positive change that impacts her neighbors, her professional life, and ultimately the community or state where she serves as a civic changemaker. This creates a ripple effect that inspires others and fosters greater civic participation.