My favorite of these is #40 because of its' simplicity. All of the others have a lot going on and don't directly communicate the idea of small groups.
#40 somewhat communicates a person that is more important by being a different color and in the foreground. Small groups are a place for everyone to be equal.
I have looked more at #43 and I like it more as I consider it longer. Could I see a version without the design in the middle of the circle? Also, without the design in the middle, could you make the circle a bit more compact?