Leadership

A Wider Circle: Mission Statement & Leadership Progress

Our team received the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to increase knowledge on Economic Disparity. One of the non-profits our team partnered with was A Wider Circle. A Wider Circle provides basic need items to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness, fleeing domestic abuse, or otherwise living without the essentials of life. For many, we are the only resource for turning empty spaces into stable and dignified homes (A Wider Circle).

During our time in A Wider Circle we learned:

• If a group of individuals can come together to reduce poverty in a local area, students and the Iowa City community can resemble a similar concept to assist individuals in need.
• A Wider Circle assists in providing individuals with well-polished suits, ties, and shoes for interviews and jobs.
• Leaders must live their mission
• There are many reasons why individuals are affected with poverty, immigrants, mental health, etc.
• To be able to provide a well-rounded environment, volunteers must be able to understand the organization's mission statement or else that reflects poorly on organization/non-profit

Action Steps Are Shown Through Action

• Partnered with Maria Angulo, a University of Iowa student, to assist Iowa City's Homeless Shelter to provide every day items such as, clothes, soap, laundry detergent, etc. (You can drop off items at the Latino Native American Culture Center,Center for Diversity & Enrichment or Contact Faviola Santana)
• Implementing connections through mission statements within our student organization leadership positions, internships, volunteer services, classrooms

Peer Leadership

• When a service site canceled on us, we were faced with the dilemma of finding a new place to take us on short notice, people began searching for places that would take us
• Shati eventually was able to get on contact with City Blossoms and arranged our work with them. She stayed in constant communication with them letting them know of any travel mishaps & schedule changes we had, while making sure that all of the information was also communicated to Tevin and Amber. Shati even led half of our group to the service site so that we would be able to get there on time and also allow for the other half to finish eating.
• Amber always modeled the kind of behavior we as a team should have and also continually challenged us

City Blossoms

• Showed that leaders aren't afraid to get there hands dirty
• If you believe in what you do and are passionate, people will follow you
• One of the best ways to lead is to lead by example