Community Action Partnership

Community Action Partnership
Name	Community Action Partnership
Founded	0 1971
Location	Washington, D.C.
Key people	Denise Harlow
Focus	Poverty reduction
Website	https://www.communityactionpartnership.com/

Community Action Partnership. It is a national nonprofit organization providing technical assistance, training, and advocacy for a network of local agencies dedicated to combating poverty in the United States. Established in the early 1970s, it serves as the national hub for the Community Action Agency network, which originated from the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. The organization works to strengthen the capacity of local agencies to deliver a range of services, from Head Start to weatherization, and advocates for policies supporting low-income families at the federal level.

History and founding

The organization's roots are deeply intertwined with the War on Poverty declared by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The legislative cornerstone was the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which created the Office of Economic Opportunity and mandated the establishment of local Community Action Agencies across the country. These agencies were designed to be governed by boards inclusive of the low-income population. As the network grew, a need for a national support organization emerged. In 1971, following the transfer of oversight to the Community Services Administration, the national organization was formally established to unify and support these local entities. Its formation was a direct response to the evolving landscape of federal anti-poverty programs and the need for a collective voice after the dissolution of the Office of Economic Opportunity.

Mission and goals

The central mission is to support and strengthen the network of local agencies in their work to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty in the United States. Primary goals include building the organizational capacity of member agencies through training and resources, advocating for effective public policies in Washington, D.C., and promoting innovation in service delivery. The organization emphasizes the principles of community action, including promoting self-sufficiency, fostering community engagement, and ensuring that the voices of low-income individuals are represented in the decisions that affect their lives. It seeks to influence legislation related to critical areas like community development block grant funding and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Programs and services

The organization does not directly administer local services but empowers its network through a suite of support programs. These include extensive training conferences, such as the annual Community Action Partnership Annual Convention, and professional development institutes. It provides technical assistance on managing key federal programs like the Community Services Block Grant, Head Start, and the Weatherization Assistance Program. The organization also operates initiatives focused on specific areas, such as the National Community Action Foundation, which engages in legislative advocacy, and projects addressing digital inclusion, financial capability, and health equity. Resources like the Organizational Standards program help agencies achieve excellence in governance and operations.

Organizational structure and network

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from local Community Action Agencies, state associations, and other partners. The current Chief Executive Officer is Denise Harlow. Its membership includes over 1,000 local agencies, which operate in nearly every county across the United States. These local agencies are supported by a structure of state associations, such as the Missouri Community Action Network and the Community Action Partnership of Oregon. The national headquarters in Washington, D.C. coordinates national policy, training, and communications, while the network's strength lies in its decentralized, locally-controlled agencies that tailor services to their specific communities, from Appalachia to the Mississippi Delta.

Funding and partnerships

Funding is derived from a combination of membership dues, federal grants and contracts, and private foundation support. Key federal partners include the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Energy, which fund programs related to the Community Services Block Grant and weatherization. The organization also collaborates with corporate partners like National Fuel Funds Network and philanthropic organizations such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Ford Foundation on specific initiatives. These partnerships are crucial for leveraging resources, conducting research, and piloting innovative approaches to services like affordable housing and workforce development across the network.

Impact and recognition

The network serves millions of individuals and families annually, providing critical services that range from emergency assistance to long-term self-sufficiency programs. Its advocacy efforts have been instrumental in preserving and strengthening federal programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Community Services Block Grant. The organization's influence is recognized by policymakers in Congress and federal agencies, who often consult it on matters of poverty policy. It confers awards such as the Community Action Partnership Annual Convention awards to highlight innovative local programs and has been cited in studies by institutions like the Urban Institute for its role in the nation's social safety net.

Category:Anti-poverty organizations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.