Learning Circles
Learning circles are an innovative way to unlock the leadership potential in the YMCA movement. Sponsored by the Association of YMCA Professionals (AYP) and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the learning circles program offers staff a unique opportunity to connect with one another, share ideas and to grow personally and professionally through the pursuit of lifelong learning.
What is a learning circle?
A learning circle is a group of people who meet to study and learn in ways that enrich their personal and professional lives. A YMCA learning circle comprises six to eight YMCA professionals who meet several times over the course of two years. Guided by trained facilitators, learning circles foster the establishment of peer networks, allowing participants access to a broad range of expertise, support and guidance outside of their YMCA associations. Circles also meet the need of YMCA staff to develop their leadership skills, connect with each other personally, find safety and support in a confidential environment, and realize the potential for growth within themselves and the group as a whole.
Participants can receive up to three recertification credits via the new Y-USA Leadership Certification structure.
Note: No two people from the same association may participate in the same learning circle.
Who can be in a learning circle?
Learning circles consist of approximately six to eight members. All participants must be members of AYP. No two members of a circle may work for the same association, and ideally members have similar levels of responsibility and tenure in the YMCA. Every learning circle has a facilitator.
What do the facilitators do? The facilitators' role is to support and guide the circle in its pursuit of knowledge and connection, and to aid the circle in planning and decision-making. The facilitator is not a teacher or a content expert. Facilitators are generally recent YMCA retirees or senior-level staff.
How are learning circles formed?
Learning circles can be formed in one of three ways:
- A group of peers decides to form a circle. AYP learning circle liaisons (see PDF link below) and Y-USA leadership can help groups identify potential members.
- A facilitator invites individuals to join a circle.
- An individual contacts AYP/Y-USA and asks to be assigned into a circle.
How can I find other people to participate in a learning circle with me? You probably have friends and contacts in other associations that may be interested. Contact them! Also, each AYP chapter has a learning circle liaison (see PDF link below), whose role is to help you form your circle.
What happens at the learning circle launch?
There may be as many as 10 new learning circles being launched at one time. For this large group, there are discussions and learning experiences to orient all new circle members and facilitators to the learning circle process.
You will also meet a number of times at the launch with your individual circle members, and your group will be given ample time to get to know each other, discuss your goals and hopes for the circle, determine your topic of study and establish future meeting times and locations.
What happens at regular learning circle meetings ?
Often learning circles meet over the course of two days, often gathering mid-afternoon one day and dispersing the next afternoon. This allows for a substantial amount of time for circle members to meet and discuss their topics, share meals, and explore ideas on a deeper level than a usual one- or two-hour meeting would allow.
How often do circles meet?
At least three times a year for two years, but many circles meet more often. Circles meet face-to-face, when possible, but also may meet via conference calls, webinars, or other technology. Each circle sets its own schedules and agendas.
Where do circles meet?
Each circle selects its own meeting places, based on where members are located geographically.
How long do circles last?
The suggested life cycle for these circles is two years. Members are expected to make a commitment for the entire two years. Many circles continue to meet past two years.
Can I earn credit for being in a learning circle?
Yes, YMCA of the USA will confer a total of three recertification credits via the new Leadership Certification structure (one credit is awarded at the completion of the learning circle launch, and two more are awarded at the end of the two-year commitment).