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# Stewardship Circles

A **Stewardship Circle** lets several people support the same animal. Each member has a separate monthly subscription, follows the same caretaker update promise, and chooses their own public recognition.

Use a Circle when shared support fits the animal better than one exclusive steward. On the offering form, set **Stewardship spots** above 1. You can choose up to 50 spots.

Choose a size that still lets every member feel connected to the animal and its updates.

![A Circle set to three spots with member invitations enabled](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/3bd/baf/ee3/b11d5.png?width=1760)

## What supporters see

The public offering shows how many spots are filled and open. It also shows each current member according to that person's recognition choice: a linked Creatures profile, a display name, or no public name.

![Circle members shown by a public profile and a family display name](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/a06/4a6/f72/f9fff.png?width=1760)

Each person reviews the same monthly rate and 5% steward service fee before joining. The checkout summary makes their individual total clear.

## How spots are held

An invitation does not reserve a spot. A spot is held when someone continues to Stripe checkout, for about 30 minutes. Completing checkout fills the spot. If a stewardship ends, its spot can open again.

You cannot reduce the number of spots below those already in use or held for checkout. The monthly rate and update frequency are also locked while there are current stewards or checkout holds.

## Let members invite co-stewards

When creating or editing the offering, turn on **Let active stewards invite co-stewards to open spots** if you want members to help grow the Circle.

Members can then search for a Creatures user or use **Invite by email** or, where available, **Invite by text** from [Animals I'm Stewarding](https://creatures.com/dashboard/my-stewardships). Before sending a text, confirm **I have this person's consent to text them about this invitation.**

![The Circle invitation panel with search, email, and text choices](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/9ba/756/8af/bf982.png?width=1760)

The person still reviews the offering and completes checkout. An invite does not guarantee a place.

## Recognition and privacy

Every member chooses independently. One can link a public profile, another can use a family name, and another can remain private on public pages. The caretaker can still identify all current members in [Stewards of My Animals](https://creatures.com/dashboard/stewardship/stewards) so they can manage updates and the relationship.

The caretaker posts one update to the animal's profile on the promised schedule. Current Circle members follow that shared update.

### Related information

- [What is stewardship?](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/what-is-stewardship-1ubw7m0/)
- [Becoming a steward](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/becoming-a-steward-1ow1su4/)
- [Caring for your stewards](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/caring-for-your-stewards-1cisb0e/)