Circles of Support - Become an Ally
The process to becoming an Ally is really quite simple. First, you participate in an informal Intake process with someone from the Circles of Support staff to learn more about the program and your role as an Ally. After attending a formal orientation program and completing the training track, you’ll meet with a recruiter who will help you examine your goals and reasons for volunteering with this program. This allows you to learn more about yourself and what you can give to Participants and gives the recruiter the framework for a good Circle match.
We ask you to commit to a minimum of six hours a month for a period of 18 months. This 18-month period gives each Circle a chance to meet, to learn about one another and to slowly form honest, trusting relationships. Oftentimes, Participants struggle with the decision to join the program, so we ask that once you make the decision you remain committed to your Circle. Every day, every week and every month, you have the opportunity to help make a positive change in someone else’s life.
Allies must be 18 years of age or older.
What Else Can I Do?
There are many other opportunities for volunteers to get involved with Circles of Support—from tutoring children during meetings and assisting with food preparation, to helping with financial planning and offering specialized expertise. We are in need of people who have a genuine desire to impact the lives of low-income citizens in our community. Everyone can help.
If you would like to help Circles of Support, but can’t commit to the time period, you can still make a difference by making a tax-deductible contribution to Circles of Support. You can sponsor individual families through the Good Neighbor Fund, which provides money to families who experience situational financial hardships. Please make your check payable to Community Action Duluth-Circles of Support.
If you would like to contact your state and federal legislators to register your concern about the number of people not meeting their basic household living needs in this country, contact information can be found on this site; click on our Of Interest link.
Who Do I Contact for More Information?
To find out more on the program’s Mission and Vision please contact the Guiding Coalition members by e-mailing GC@communityactionduluth.org. The Guiding Coalition is an advisory committee for the program that consists of Allies, Family Participants and staff.
To find out more about becoming an Ally/Volunteer, arrange a presentation for your group or church, become a strategic business ally, or offer a financial contribution to Circles of Support contact Circles of Support Program Manager Xavier “X” Bell by calling 218-726-1665 or xavier@communityactionduluth.org
To find out information regarding our meetings, meals, childcare and transportation, please contact Kate Wigren, Circles of Support Program Advocate Coach at 218-726-1665 or e-mail her at katewigren@communityactionduluth.org
If you currently do not wish to be part of a formal Circles of Support but would like to learn more, feel free to attend our Community Leadership Team meetings.
