Our IMPACT

Marjorie is passionate about serving her community and her country. A combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Marjorie was the ideal candidate to connect the military community with The Policy Circle as our Leadership Fellow. To familiarize herself more with our organization, she enrolled in CLER. “CLER opened my eyes in a profoundly new way – the people who show up at the local level are the ones who make the decisions. Therefore, we MUST show up.” She applied to join her city’s Volunteer Advisory Board and now sits on the Economic Development Committee.

Jessica, a US Navy Commander nearing retirement, discovered The Policy Circle’s CLER program at the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium in July 2023. After completing CLER 1.0, she said, “I’m sharing my newfound knowledge with family, friends, and coworkers. Even long-time residents often have little understanding of how government works.” Through CLER, Jessica found her voice and was invited to apply for the Military Academy Selection Board. Her application was accepted in October 2023. Now, she’s considering a future run for city council, inspired by CLER and her military leadership experience.

Caroline, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, and a member of her local Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Military Enhancement Committee, joined a task force to repurpose a 1940s Naval Hospital facing closure. Appointed as an ex-officio member, she brought her 25 years of planning expertise from the US Marine Corps to the table. Now, with the committee’s vision to repurpose the property, thousands of citizens will benefit from it.

CLER graduate Jamee was inspired by the message at our 7th Annual Leadership Summit, “If not now, when? If not you, who?” After returning home to Indiana, she received notification of a special caucus for a position on her township board. She filed for candidacy and was sworn in soon after. Jamee understands the opportunity to be part of positive change in her community and works hard to come prepared and offer solutions. That commitment led her to find a solution to a months-long issue tied to redistricting fire departments. “My fresh eyes on the problem gave me a perspective that no one had thought about and they asked me to attend a fire district meeting in two days on behalf of our township to present our solution!” 

After reading and discussing Stitching the Fabric of Neighborhoods Policy Brief in CLER, Shana gained new insight into population shifts and homelessness in Arkansas. This led her to join the Homeless Village Advisory Committee, overseeing the state’s first tiny home village. “Homelessness wasn’t an issue I knew much about, but this experience has been eye-opening.”

Shana’s engagement focuses on ensuring the community feels heard. “Meeting with concerned residents has allowed me to seek consensus and model civil dialogue.” The advisory committee has since become the nonprofit Providence Park, where Shana now serves on the board.