R 251535Z NOV 15
MARADMIN 598/15
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/LEAN IN CIRCLES//
REF/A/MEMO/SECDEF/21SEP15//
REF/B/LEANIN.ORG/MILITARY//
NARR/REF A IS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMORANDUM FOR ALL DOD PERSONNEL. REF B IS THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONAL WEBSITE FOR LEAN IN MILITARY.//
POC/T. M. VELAZQUEZ/CIV/UNIT: MPE/-/TEL: (703)784-9371/TEL: DSN 278-9371/TEL: COMM (703)784-9371//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On 21 Sep 2015, Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) announced that the Department of Defense (DOD) is partnering with LeanIn.Org to launch Lean In Circles throughout the Department and all Military Branches.  LeanIn.Org is a non-profit organization founded by Facebook Chief Operations Officer, Sheryl Sandberg.
2.  Lean In Circles are small peer groups who meet regularly to learn and grow together.  Lean In Circles will enable both female and male Marines and civilian Marines to come together to share experiences and advice on overcoming challenges in the military and create a safe and confidential place to discuss gender issues.  Female service members who participate in Lean In Circles report they feel more connected to the women and men in their units and are more comfortable talking openly about gender issues in the military.  LeanIn.Org/Military offers service members and civilian employees both online and locally based Lean In Circles at bases and stations across the DOD, as well as an opportunity to start one if desired.  DOD believes that participation in such peer mentoring relationships may improve the retention of women and support their career development and professional growth.
3.  Lean In Circles are encouraged to meet monthly, for reasonable duration before, during, or after work hours and may make reasonable use of DOD spaces such as conference rooms, meeting areas, and break rooms.
4.  Service members and civilian employees are encouraged to participate in these peer mentoring relationships.
5.  Further information on Lean In Circles is available at www.LeanIn.Org/Military.
6.  Release authorized by BGen G. W. Smith, Jr., Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.//