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. 

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.

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.

MCLC Affinity Circle

This circle brings together First 5 county commissions and their partners for learning and technical assistance opportunities for Medi-Cal transformation engagement. Since 2023, the Medi-Cal Learning Community (MCLC) has built First 5s’ knowledge of Medi-Cal, provided a peer learning space, supported local and regional partnerships between First 5s and local managed care plans, and provided guidance on the organizational structures required to become a contracted Medi-Cal provider.

MCLC sessions are designed to respond to the most pressing challenges facing First 5s looking to leverage new Medi-Cal benefits, while also providing a space to showcase successes and best practices from the First 5 network and their partners.

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

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.