Complete How-To Guide

Welcome to The Policy Circle Community! This platform is designed to help you connect with fellow members, participate in meaningful discussions, and build a stronger community. This step-by-step guide will help make the most of your time. 

This guide covers (tap a link to jump to more information below):

 

Why Use The Policy Circle Community Platform?

The Policy Circle Community is your gateway to staying informed, engaged, and connected with other members. Here’s what we hope you’ll gain:

  • Engagement: Participate in policy discussions, share insights, and learn from one another

  • Connections: Network with members who share your interests and aspirations

  • Resources: Access Policy Briefs, event updates, and valuable materials

  • Involvement: Stay active in our community and bring policy conversations into action

How to Engage

  1. Join Discussions: We encourage you to actively participate in ongoing policy discussions. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback.

  2. Stay Informed: Check out the latest news, upcoming events, and resources. These are designed to keep you up to date with the policy areas you care about.

  3. Connect with Members: Use the networking tools in The Policy Circle Community to connect with members across the country. The more connections you build, the stronger the community becomes.

  4. Share and Learn: Post ideas, articles, and experiences. Engage with content shared by others. The more you give, the more you’ll get in return.

 

Getting Started is Simple

Step 1: Set Up Your Account and Update Your Profile

  1. Update Your Profile

    1. Navigate to your profile by selecting your initials or photo in the upper right corner.

    2. Click Profile and begin personalizing your account.

  2. Add Your Photo and Contact Details

    1. Add or Change your professional headshot or photo by selecting Actions under the photo/initials circle.

    2. To Add or Change your email address, phone number, and other contact details, click the pencil icon next to Contact Details. NOTE: Updating your Contact Details updates what The Policy Circle has on record. The contact information listed under your profile is not necessarily what is shown to other users. See more below or change your privacy settings here. 

  3. Enhance Your Profile with Additional Information

    1. Bio: Share a little about yourself, including your background and interests.

    2. Policy Issues That Matter To Me: Select the topics that interest you most, and be connected to others who share your interests.

    3. Education: Add your academic background and any relevant certifications.

    4. Professional Associations: List any associations, organizations, or professional memberships you're involved with.

  4. Review Your Privacy Settings

    1. See and update what information can be seen by other members by selecting My Account, then Privacy Settings.

 

Step 2: Build Your Contacts List & Grow Your Network

  1. Go to "Connect" at the top of the page:

    1. Select “Member Directory” to search for members you know.

    2. You can search by name, email address, location, or topic.

    3. Once you find someone, select “Add as Contact” to start building your network.

 

Step 3: Join the Conversation 

  1. Under “Connect” at the top of the page, select “Recent Discussions”

    1. View a list of Recent Discussions 

      1. Choose a thread subject of interest to view and join the conversation

      2. To comment on a post, click Reply in the right hand corner. 

      3. To reply to just the individual, click the arrow next to Reply and select Reply Privately.

    2. Select the Post New Message button or Start New Conversation (found under the Connect tab) to start your own conversation.

  2. Create a New Community

    1. Start a Circle to host Policy Conversations on topics that matter most to you. 

    1. Under “Circles” at the top of the page, select “Start a Circle.”

    2. After clicking Save and Invite Members, you can invite those already in your contacts. Select “Invite Others” to search for people already in the Community platform.

    3. If your invitees are NOT currently in The Policy Circle Community, please click the link on the invite page or click here to invite them. 

    4. For detailed instructions on how to complete your Circle setup, manage members and organize meetings, please visit our Circle Leaders Guide.

 

Step 4: Explore Policy Briefs & Resources 

  1. Under “Briefs” at the top of the page, select “Policy Hub”

    1. With over 70 Policy Briefs available, we offer four ways to find policy issues important to you.

      1. Search for a Brief by name or topic

      2. Scroll through the top 12 most viewed Policy Briefs 

      3. Sort Library Entries by Date Created, Title, Most Downloaded, or Most Viewed

      4. Choose a Series, a collection of Policy Briefs based on key topics

  2. Under “TPC Resources” at the top of the page, select “Resources and Downloads”

    1. Sort Core TPC Materials & Resources by Date Created, Title, Most Downloaded or Most Viewed

    2. View our TPC and CLER Impact Reports

 

Step 5: Stay Engaged

  1. Community activity is delivered right to your email inbox!

    1. Stay in tune with what’s happening across your The Policy Circle Community groups without even visiting the community. Group Notifications deliver new conversations, announcements, events, and shared files right to your email inbox.  Learn more about Group Notification settings here.  

  2. Keep an eye on your Community Home page for updates on events, discussion threads, and opportunities to contribute. 

  3. Earn Achievements

    1. Ribbons: Your civic impact and engagement with The Policy Circle will be reflected by the Ribbons on your profile

    2. Become a Top Contributor: Engage with The Policy Circle Community and earn awards for your contributions

We’re Here to Help

If you need assistance or have questions, please explore the FAQ, browse our How To tutorials, and feel free to Contact Us. We want you to have the best experience possible!