Growing the Circle Movement

Circles are small, self-organized groups of people who make a mutual commitment to care for one another and take collective action together. Sustaining and expanding this kind of deep, trust-based support requires care (whether that means growing an existing circle or helping new ones form).

Below are best practices for nurturing circles, the two main ways people are brought into them, and guidance on how to approach splitting a circle when it becomes too large to hold connection.

Two Main Ways to Bring People into Circles

1. Invite People Directly Into an Existing Circle (Then Split if Needed),

In this method, members of a circle invite new people to join them directly. Once the circle grows large (usually around 14 to 16 people), it splits into two smaller circles.

Pros:

• Easiest way to bring someone into a ready-made community.
• New members benefit from the trust, structure, and momentum already in place.

Cons:

• Risk of disrupting existing group dynamics.
• Newer members may not feel fully integrated or may struggle to find their place.
• Splitting later can feel abrupt or confusing if not well-prepared.

Tips:

• Be intentional about welcoming new people (onboarding, buddy systems, etc.).
• Discuss and plan for a future split early—before it becomes urgent.
• Frame splitting as an act of growth and generosity.

2. Match People Based on Location or Interest and Form a New Circle,

Here, people sign up to join a circle (often through a form or list), and new circles are formed based on geography or interest. Then an experienced member may mentor or help facilitate the launch of the new circle.

Pros:

• Preserves the cohesion of existing circles.
• Gives new members a sense of co-ownership from the start.

Cons:

• New circles need to form trust and culture from scratch.
• They might require support and guidance to avoid early drop-off.

Tips:

• Offer a mentor or "circle starter" to guide the first few meetings.
• Provide simple onboarding materials and facilitation guides.
• Check in after a few weeks to see how things are going.

How to Grow a Circle Intentionally

• Make the Purpose Clear and Relational: Explain not just what the circle does, but what it means: mutual support, collective care, deepening trust, and taking action together.
• Grow Through Warm Invitations: Encourage members to invite 1–2 people they trust. Give them a short, clear message they can pass on.
• Host Welcoming, Low-Barrier Spaces: Start with events like potlucks, storytelling nights, or peer listening circles to help new folks ease in.
• Onboard Thoughtfully: Use welcome guides, buddy systems, and low-stakes entry points to help new members feel oriented and empowered.
• Normalize Participation and Vulnerability: Share openly. Rotate facilitation. Make space for all voices to be heard and valued.

When and How to Split a Circle

Most circles function best at 5–12 people. Once the group grows much beyond that, it becomes harder to make decisions, share airtime, or sustain intimacy. That’s when it’s time to consider splitting.

When to Split,

• The group consistently exceeds 14 people.
• Meetings feel rushed or people don’t get to speak.
• Newer members feel less connected.
• Decisions start to becoming more difficult.

How to Split (Without Breaking Trust),

• Frame It as Growth, Not Division: “We’re not breaking up—we’re multiplying what works.”
• Let It Be Voluntary and Collaborative: Allow people to opt into forming a new circle based on comfort or alignment.
• Maintain the Web: Keep a shared thread, periodic check-ins, or network-wide gatherings across circles.
• Seed the New Circle with Support: Provide mentorship, facilitation tools, and emotional backing for the transition.