Learning Circles are at the core of the Leadership Learning Communities. They define the space where the majority of the learning around leadership development themes has taken place. Learning circles can take the form of regional circles, affinity circles and circles focusing on specific leadership development themes.

LLC envisions that the number of circles and their purpose and content will change over time. They should be organic and periodically the whole community should pause and celebrate the circles that have completed their work and organize new circles for the work remaining. Circles vary in number of people involved, length of time they stay active, and other considerations. However, all circles will have a circle leader who coordinates activities and works with LLC's executive director and board to ensure that there is:

• An open announcement of the creation of the circle and its purpose.
• Periodic information to all members about the activities of circle.
• A focus on learning and application.
• At least one summary publication by the Circle that covers its work, its findings and its recommendations. The publication will be part of an ongoing series of publications available to the public through the Web site's Knowledge Pools.
• At least one nomination from each active Circle for new board members as vacancies occurs

Why "Circles?"

We have chosen to use the word "circles" for the people who work together for a common purpose within LLC. Interestingly, the term "circles" have been used to describe the fusion of work and relationship for women in many ages and many cultures. "Circles" are also present in many cultures as places where people came to talk, to celebrate, to problem solve, to sing and tell stories, and to govern themselves. In many religions, "circles" were holy, spirit-filled and reverent. There were also singing rounds and circle dances to celebrate and actively worship.

In more recent years, "circles" have been adult learning formats in which members of communities taught each other and in both the 19th century labor movement and 20th century new economy, "circles" have meant self-direction and improvement.