Affinity Circles

Affinity Circles are spaces within the First 5 Leadership Institute designed to foster connection, reflection, and peer learning among leaders across the First 5 Network. 

Create intentional opportunities

Interest Forms Are Open for Program Year 25-26 Affinity Circles Now Through November 21, 2025

These circles create intentional opportunities for participants to build deeper relationships with peers who share similar experiences or are navigating comparable leadership challenges. 

Join an Affinity Circle

What To expect

During the quarterly Affinity Circle meetings, participants will:

  • Engage in dialogue rooted in the values of Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI)
  • Build relationships that strengthen their sense of community within the First 5 Network and early childhood field
  • Reflect on their learning and practice through guided journaling and peer sharing
  • Explore how circle conversations connect to broader Leadership Institute offerings and leadership development pathways

Affinity Circles for 2025-2026

Pilot Sessions in December 2025, February 2026, June 2026

Each circle balances structured facilitation with open dialogue, encouraging participants to reflect on their leadership journey, share strategies, and support one another in advancing equity and belonging across California’s early childhood systems.

First 5 Foundations

This circle welcomes those who are new to the First 5 Network. It provides space to orient to the work of First 5, explore foundational topics such as child development and REDI (Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), and learn how to navigate the statewide network. 

Sessions are designed to help newcomers feel connected, supported, and confident stepping into their roles, while also surfacing the wisdom and mentorship of colleagues.

Building Belonging

This circle centers the experiences of leaders from underrepresented backgrounds in the First 5 Network, including but not limited to people of color, LGBTQ+, and disability communities. It provides a community of support to unpack challenges such as isolation, bias, and barriers to advancement, while also celebrating the assets and leadership these individuals bring. 

Sessions may feature multiple facilitators and guest voices, and will prioritize creating a brave space for belonging, healing, and leadership growth.

REDI in Action

This circle convenes participants committed to advancing race, equity, diversity, and inclusion within their organizations and communities.
Through peer learning, case examples, scenario-sharing, and live problem-solving, participants will exchange lessons learned and co-develop strategies for system-level equity and inclusion across the First 5 Network.

Each session balances confidentiality and open exchange, creating space for reflection, accountability, and shared leadership.

Courageous Conversations

Engage in deep discussions rooted in the values of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI)

Community Building

Build relationships that strengthen a sense of community within the First 5 Network and early childhood field

Reflective
Growth

Participants will reflect on their learning and practice through guided journaling and peer sharing

Leadership Connection

Explore connecting to broader First 5 Leadership Institute offerings and opportunities

Join an Affinity Circle for 2025-2026
Learn more about First 5 Leadership Institute »

Why it matters

Affinity Circles reflect our belief that leadership grows in community

By creating spaces for authentic connection and reflection, the First 5 Leadership Institute nurtures a culture of trust, belonging, and collective growth—so that every leader across the Network feels seen, supported, and empowered to lead for equity.

Advancing California’s Early Childhood Leaders

For More Information, Contact Lilea Duran

lilea@first5association.org