Your network within
The Network
Circles are for Network members only
Find your Circle
GATHERINGS
Circles are always available online via Slack, meet monthly via Zoom, and gather annually at ComNet.
Check below for upcoming gatherings.
“The most radical thing we can do is introduce people to one another. New connections & conversations spark innovation.”
Rosabeth Kanter, Harvard Business School
FAQs
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While LOCALs Groups build community in the places where people live and work, our hope for Circles is that they will build community around ideas, challenges, shared identities and roles, which will in turn benefit the entire field – no matter where you are located.
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You! These groups are for you, by you. We’re going to help, but we want these to be spaces where content is really driven by your wants and needs.
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Currently Circles membership is included in your Network membership.
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If you’re ever stuck on a problem, have a question about a tool or resource, or just need to vent to someone who understands, Circles may be for you. Circles are a dedicated space to talk with other communications professionals about communications issues and ideas around very specific topics.
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That’s the plan. We started small in June 2020 and have since added additional Circles. If you have ideas about a new Circle that fits one of our three categories, email circles@comnetwork.org and we’ll add it to the running list.
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Circles are The Network’s affinity groups, organized around issue areas, job functions or shared identities. They are easy-to-use, engaging forums where participants can build their professional networks and feel comfortable sharing challenges and/or asking for support.
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Circles are open to current Communications Network members ONLY*.
(Find out more about joining The Network here.)
*Certain Circles are reserved for foundation and nonprofit staff.
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Monthly: Via Zoom calls
24/7: Via Slack
In-person: Space to gather at ComNet
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Meeting some great people, forming some real connections and getting (and sharing) critical information on your schedule.
Daily – Online chat available via a dedicated Slack channel
Monthly – Online video meetings to gather the group for discussion and/or a learning session
Annually – A space created for Circles to gather at ComNet
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ROLES
Management/Department Leads*
One-Person Comms Shops
Internal Communications Professionals
ISSUES
Social Justice Communicators
Research Communicators
SHARED IDENTITIES
Black Communications Professionals
LGBTQ+ Communications Professionals
Have an idea for a future Circle? Email us: circles@comnetwork.org
*This circle is restricted to foundation and nonprofit staff only.
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Yup! For now, we ask that folks stick to two max. But don’t worry, if there’s a topic or trend you want to talk about that might fall under a different category, bring it up with your group…you’re likely not the only one thinking about it!
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You just have to agree to fully participate. No looky-loos. These communities of practice don’t and won’t work if you aren’t an active, engaged member. If you join, we want you to be committed to really listening and sharing. We’re looking for volunteers to start taking a more active role (note-taking, hosting, bringing in speakers, etc.) Please email us at circles@comnetwork.org if you’re interested!
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Just a few. When you sign up to join a Circle you’ll be asked to review some community guidelines and norms. Nothing crazy or unexpected, but just a couple things to make sure we’re all on the same page and everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Don’t see what you need?
New Circles are being added all the time.
“Being a member of Black Communications Circle has been incredibly enriching. It has provided me with an opportunity to network, engage in informal peer mentoring, and discuss different challenges and opportunities. More than anything, it’s a great space to be encouraged and be reminded that I’m not in the work alone. It has honestly been one of the most valuable experiences of my communications for good journey.”
— Julita Bailey-Vasco, Nellie Mae Education Foundation
Black Communications Professionals
“Power no longer lies at the top of the heap, but at the center of networks. You get there not by vanquishing rivals, but through cultivating friends.”
Trust. Learning. Support.
Trust. Learning. Support.
YOUR network in The Network.
YOUR network in The Network.
Member Norms & Guidelines
Welcome! We are thrilled you want to be a part of The Communications Network’s Circles community.
As you get oriented and we get set up, here are some general guidelines for the community, including your expected commitment and a sneak peek of what we envision in the future.
Commitment
This is a brain trust, which means we need your brain on a regular basis to help foster productive and meaningful discussions within your community.
As long as you are a member of a Circle group, you agree to regularly check in and engage in your group's conversations and attend the online video discussions.
Code of Conduct
No soliciting.
Just don't. The purpose of this community is to provide discussion and exchange of ideas between members. Don't ask for business or sell anything (except, maybe, Girl Scout cookies.)
Be willing and available when community members reach out to you.
Bullying and hate speech will not be tolerated.
This is a welcoming environment created to be a safe space for collaboration. If you would like to vent to someone, we (at HQ) are more than happy to have a productive conversation about your concerns.
Be respectful of other people's opinions.
All personal information in this community stays within it.
That means no pulling email addresses for marketing or promotional purposes.
We reserve the right to remove a user from the community for violating the code of conduct or the spirit of the community.
Engage with The Network
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ComNet
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LOCALs
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Webinars
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Jones Award
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Slack
Special thanks to The Atlantic Philanthropies for their founding support of Circles.