Below are sample invitations to help recruit for your Circle. There are different versions for inviting a Co-Leader and new members, along with a short and long version to support your communication style (email, text, DM, etc.). Copy, paste, and update the information in red to personalize before sending.

Inviting a Circle Co-Leader

Longer version [perfect for email]

Subject line Subject line: I’d love to co-lead a Lean In Circle with you

Hi [Name],

I’ve been thinking about you recently, how are you?

I’ve recently signed up to lead a Lean In Circle. Circles are small groups of peers who meet regularly to build leadership skills and support each other’s ambitions.

I immediately thought of you as a Co-Leader because [Insert personal reason here. Though-starters: You bring a powerful perspective on ____; You have such a talent for_____; I could learn from your experience________.]

Here are some high-level details:

• You and I can decide together who to invite, the kind of atmosphere we want, how we’ll run the meetings
• We can run our meetings in person and online, and it’s recommended we invite 8–12 members
• Monthly meetings, in-person or online
• Co-leading is easy — Lean In will give us all the training, conversation guides, and educational materials

I recognize it would be a time investment for both of us. For me, the payoff will be [Insert personal reason here. Thought-starters: Building my skills at _____; Building a strong community of peers; Making an impact by _____.]

Interested? If yes (fingers crossed!), let’s chat more.

As always, I appreciate you,
[Your name]

Shorter version [perfect for text and chat]

Hey [Name]! Want to co-lead a Lean In Circle with me?

We’d start a small group that meets monthly to help each other build skills, connect as peers, and support each others’ personal and professional ambitions.

Lean In provides all of the training, discussion guides, and educational materials for free. You and I would just contribute our time, enthusiasm, and expertise.

You’d be such an amazing Co-Leader for me because [Insert personal reason. Thought-starters: You bring great energy into every room. You lead with empathy and heart. You’re an inspiration to me in my own career.]

Interested? Let me know and we can chat more. (I hope you say yes!)

Recruiting members

Longer version [perfect for email]

Subject line: You’re invited: Join our Lean In Circle!

Hi [Name],

Have you heard of Lean In Circles? They’re small peer groups that focus on helping each member achieve their personal and professional goals.

I [We] recently started a Circle for [Insert details. For example: Gen Z women in tech, Moms in the C-Suite, Black professionals in Paris, etc.].

We’ll meet monthly to build our leadership skills, hold each other accountable, and cheer each other on, wholeheartedly.

We’d love for you to join us because [Insert personal reason here. Thoughtstarters: You’ve always inspired me with the way you____. You’ll bring a creative point of view to the group. You’re a strong role model for empathetic leadership.]

Each month, we pick a topic we want to explore as a group. Lean In provides us with videos, activities, and discussion guides so we can make the most out of our meetings.

I really believe our Circle will have a powerful impact on each of our lives! Let me know if you’re interested, and I can share more details.

Warmly,
[Your name]

Shorter version [perfect for text and chat]

Hey [Name]!

Have you heard of Lean In Circles? They’re small, peer-led groups that meet monthly to focus on achieving our personal and professional goals.

I [We] just launched a Circle for [insert context here. For example: Women and allies in Austin, Gen Z rising leaders, etc.]. I was inspired to start this Circle because of my goal to [Insert personal / professional anecdote here. Thought starters: build my leadership skills, get that promotion, strengthen my professional network, etc.].

We’d love for you to join us and bring your amazing [Insert personal characteristics here. For example: Warmth and wisdom. Experience. Ability to give great feedback.]