F5LI - Affinity Circles Interest Form Program Year 25-26 Survey

The First 5 Leadership Institute’s Affinity Circles are small, facilitated peer groups within the First 5 Network designed to foster reflection, connection, and applied learning. In this pilot year, we’re launching three circles that center belonging, authenticity, and equity-driven leadership.
Each circle will meet quarterly between December 2025 and June 2026. Participants will co-create community agreements, engage in reflective dialogue, and carry new insights back to their organizations and leadership practice.

By completing this form, you’re expressing interest in joining one of the three pilot Affinity Circles.
Please complete your interest form by November 21.

You will hear back about your Circle placement by December 1.

Section 1 – Your Information

1.Your Name(Required.)

2.Email Address(Required.)

3.Title/Role

4.Organization(Required.)

Section 2 – Select Your Affinity Circle

This year includes three Affinity Circles, each with a distinct purpose and focus. Please review the descriptions below and select the one that most aligns with your current interests, role, and learning goals. You’ll then see a few follow-up questions specific to your selection.

5.Select your affinity circle(Required.)

Circle 1: First 5 Foundations
A space for newer or emerging leaders within the First 5 Network to deepen their understanding of the First 5 system, share challenges and successes, and build cross-county relationships. Participants will explore the “why” behind the work, the structure of the statewide network, and the opportunities to contribute to its ongoing evolution.

This circle may be a good fit if you:
- Are new to the First 5 Network (within the last 3 years)
- Hold a programmatic, administrative, or new leadership role
- Are eager to strengthen your understanding of the First 5 landscape and your role within it

Circle 2: Building Belonging
A space to explore identity, authenticity, and connection through a REDI (Race, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) lens. Participants will reflect on what belonging looks like for them, how identity shapes leadership, and how to strengthen inclusive cultures across the First 5 Network.

This circle may be a good fit if you:
- Want to deepen your self-awareness and practice around belonging and inclusion
- Value identity-centered dialogue and community building
- Are interested in exploring how your lived experience informs your leadership

Circle 3: REDI in Action
This circle convenes leaders who are advancing equity within their organizations and communities. It emphasizes peer learning, real-world case sharing, and collaborative problem-solving to strengthen REDI (Race, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) implementation across the First 5 Network. Participants will explore how to sustain momentum, navigate challenges, and measure progress toward equitable systems change.

This circle may be a good fit if you:
- Are actively leading or supporting equity-focused work within your organization or county
- Are interested in sharing case examples, tools, or lessons from REDI implementation
- Want to learn with peers who are also embedding equity and belonging into systems, programs, or governance