ROLE OF COMMUNITY ACTION

“Let us carry forward the plans and programs of John Kennedy, not because of our sorrow or sympathy, but because they are right...This Administration today, here and now declares an unconditional War on Poverty in America....Our joint Federal-local effort must pursue poverty, pursue it wherever it exists. In city slums, in small towns, in sharecroppers' shacks, or in migrant worker camps, on Indian reservations, among whites as well as Negroes, among the young as well as the aged, in the boom towns and in the depressed areas.”

Lyndon B Johnson in an address to Congress on Jan 8, 1964

Under the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) of 1964, President Lyndon B Johnson declared a war on poverty. The EOA guaranteed equal opportunity for all to eliminate poverty by opening, to everyone, the opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity. 40 years later this remains the core concept of community action.

Community Actions Agencies (CAA) across America address the problems of the poor as defined by the community in which they live. This unique concept affords opportunity for maximum feasible participation by the poor, elected officials, and the private sector of the local community. CAAs are the innovators and the testing ground for new programs and initiatives.

CAAs are committed to voicing the concerns of the poor and insisting on change. This philosophy, strength, and personal commitment are reflected by the many successful initiatives born through community action.