View source for Start a Circle 2/Section 3: Running the First Circle

<div style="border:1px solid #c8ccd1;background:#fef6e7;padding:0.5em 1em;margin-bottom:1em;font-size:90%;">'''Layout 2 of 3''' for the team to compare: one page per part of the guide. Same text as [[Start a Circle]] on 21 October 2026. Compare [[Start a Circle 1|1. One page]] · [[Start a Circle 2|2. Part pages]] · [[Start a Circle 3|3. Chapters with a book box]].</div>
{{Start a Circle 2 parts}}
This section focuses on how to facilitate your first Circle session. It outlines how to guide the conversation, introduce the purpose of the Circle, and create space for participants to connect and contribute. The emphasis is on building trust, encouraging participation, and moving from open discussion toward identifying shared priorities and potential areas for action.

== The first circle - agenda ==
'''Agenda (2 Hours)'''

=== 1. Welcome Drinks and Snacks – 20 min ===
Enjoy locally sourced snacks and drinks as we gather. This is a chance to meet other participants and settle in before the session begins.

=== 2. Personal Introductions and Stories – 20 min ===
Participants share short introductions and stories to build trust and connection.

'''Discussion Guide:'''

* Circle Steward shares first to set the tone.
* Each participant shares their personal journey, motivation, and connection to the community or blockchain.
* Seek common themes and shared values to form a cohesive group identity.

=== 3. Introduction to Logos – 15 min ===
A concise overview of Logos, its mission, and how the Circle contributes to the broader vision.

'''Key Points:'''

* Distribute [[Start a Circle 2/Section 2: Preparing for the first Circle#Brand and design assets|the Logos brochure]] for reference.
* If you have a projector available, show a short presentation to accompany your explanation.
* Tell the Logos story: [[Start a Circle 2/About Logos Circles#What is Logos?|what Logos is, how it functions, and why it exists]].
* Explain the campaign strategy: [[Start a Circle 2/About Logos Circles#Why we need Logos Circles|building technology that strengthens communities and supports decentralised governance]].
* Introduce the Circle structure using the [https://activisthandbook.org/organising/frameworks/snowflake snowflake model].
* Q&amp;A: brief open discussion for clarifying questions.

=== 4. Focus on Local Issues – 45 min ===
Discussion on current and emerging challenges in the community and how the Circle can act.

'''Activities:'''

* Identify key community challenges and potential “winnable issues.”
* Explore how the Logos technology stack (Nomos, Codex, Waku) can support coordination and action.

=== 5. Farewell and Next Steps – 20 min ===
* Summarise key takeaways and decisions.
* Share roadmap for involvement, upcoming meetings, and communication channels.
* Close with informal networking and encouragement to take the first steps.
* Try not to have the exit period feel rushed; allow everyone time for relationship building.

'''Total Duration:''' 2 hours

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=== Ensure you&#39;ve familiarised yourself with the [[Start a Circle 2/Section 2: Preparing for the first Circle#Principles for leading effective circles|principles of running effective Circles]]. ===
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=== FAQs you may receive ===
'''Do Circles have to work on technical or “winnable” issues?'''

No. In fact, they are encouraged not to.

Circles work best when they focus on what is easiest to organise and most meaningful locally — not necessarily what is technical or complex.

Start with:

* Something people already care about
* Something achievable in a short time frame
* Something that builds momentum and trust

Winnable issues are a tool, not a requirement. The goal is to activate people power first, then scale complexity over time.

'''Why organise activism around Circles?'''

Circles are part of a broader global movement designed to help local groups become more effective and connected.

By organising through Circles, you gain access to:

* A global network of other organisers and communities
* Support from Logos core contributors
* Regular open office hours and guidance
* Light funding support for meetings and activations
* Shared templates, tools, and playbooks
* Opportunities to learn from other Circles worldwide
* Help with fundraising and ecosystem connections

Circles are designed to reduce isolation and increase coordination between local groups working on similar problems.

'''Can we work with similar groups already solving the same issue?'''

Yes, and you are strongly encouraged to.

Circles should not duplicate existing work. If there are local organisations, initiatives, or community groups already working on a similar issue, the goal is to connect, collaborate, and amplify.

In many cases, the most effective Circle action is to:

* Partner with organisations that already have domain expertise
* Support or extend work they are already doing
* Help them achieve specific goals that align with your Circle’s focus
* Fill gaps they cannot easily cover (coordination, tooling, outreach, funding, etc.)

If alignment exists, Circles can act as a coordination layer that strengthens existing efforts, rather than building parallel systems from scratch.

'''Is the Logos tech stack in production?'''

Parts of the stack are already live, while others are in active development.

* Logos Messaging is currently in production
* Blockchain and Storage messaging infrastructure are in testnet
* Mainnet launch is expected in Q2 2027

'''Is the Logos blockchain EVM compatible?'''

The Logos blockchain can support EVM-equivalent execution indirectly through its architecture.

EVM-compatible environments run within Sovereign Zones, which process transactions and then interact with the base layer. This allows Ethereum-style execution environments without requiring full EVM execution at the base layer.

== Staying connected: Recommended Tools ==
'''Purpose:''' Keep momentum on your Circle’s winnable issue, strengthen relationships, and maintain community continuity between meetups by creating a community chat.

Each Circle decides how to stay connected, but we do have some recommendations.

The Circle can organise on apps like Signal, Telegram, or Status - the important thing is the group agrees on a platform that works best for them. Here you can share event planning and updates, along with progress on projects.

If a group decides to go for Telegram, we can help set up a channel in our dedicated Circles group.

On our [https://discord.com/invite/logosnetwork Discord server], Circle members can meet core contributors, get updates, and start building with the community. Circle Stewards get elevated access to Discord.

Longer form winnable issue work and [[Start a Circle 2/Section 4: Post-Circle#Post-event reporting|updates]] happen on the [https://forum.logos.co Logos Forum].

Circles are also listed on the [https://luma.com/logosevents Logos Luma] account, making it easy to re-invite past participants and follow up with anyone who hasn’t yet joined the Discord or stayed in touch elsewhere.

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Note: Status is the fully decentralised privacy-first alternative currently being built by the Logos team. You can try it out [https://status.app/ here] and join the Logos community (bridged to Discord).

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We recommend using Brave Browser for more privacy-preserving internet browsing.

Discover more privacy-preserving tools and projects using [https://explorer.web3privacy.info/?categories=social-and-communications this explorer].

== Checklist: The First Circle ==
* ☐ Greet attendees upon arrival.
* ☐ Share the brochure and zine.
* ☐ Offer attendees a drink, and offer to get it for them if you have the time
* ☐ Invite everyone to sit in a circle to start.
* ☐ Facilitate introductions (name, reason for attending, motivations).
* ☐ Introduce Logos and explain the purpose of Circles.
* ☐ Facilitate a discussion on local issues of interest.
* ☐ Identify a preferred communication platform to stay in touch (eg Signal, Telegram). Create the group and invite all participants to join.
* ☐ Encourage attendees to fill out the contact form (QR code on brochure).
* ☐ Check if participants authorise to have their photos shared online, faces can be blurred if preferred.
* ☐ Invite technically inclined participants to scan the QR code for the node operator program.
* ☐ Note highly motivated or skilled individuals for potential core steward roles. Approach promising individuals if the timing feels right, or follow up after.

<div style="display:flex;justify-content:space-between;border-top:1px solid #c8ccd1;margin-top:1.5em;padding-top:0.5em;font-size:90%;"><span>◄ [[Start a Circle 2/Section 2: Preparing for the first Circle|Section 2: Preparing for the first Circle]]</span><span>[[Start a Circle 2/Section 4: Post-Circle|Section 4: Post-Circle]] ►</span></div>
{{Start a Circle 2 parts}}