Community Action Begins with a Call to Action
“Although the economic well-being and prosperity
of the United States have progressed to a level surpassing
any achieved in world history, and although
these benefits are widely shared throughout the Nation,
poverty continues to be the lot of a substantial
number of our people. The United States can achieve
its full economic and social potential as a nation only
if every individual has the opportunity to contribute
to the full extent of his capabilities and to participate
in the workings of our society. It is, therefore,
the policy of the United States to eliminate the
paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this
Nation by opening to everyone the opportunity for
education and training, the opportunity to work,
and the opportunity to live in decency and
dignity.
It is the purpose of this Act to strengthen,
supplement, and coordinate efforts in furtherance of
that policy.” (emphasis added)
With these words the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 begins and so began the “war on poverty” which created Community Action Agencies (CAA) throughout the United States to fight poverty on the local level. Each year, Community Action Agencies help 13 million Americans escape poverty and achieve financial stability through programs such as Head Start, job training, financial planning, and housing. In recognition of National Community Action Month—a commemoration held in May to highlight the anti-poverty work of CAAs across the country— AEOA hosted several open house events throughout the Agency’s service area. These events were not only a time for reflecting on past and current collaborations, but a time to build new partnerships in our rural communities. During these current difficult economic times, partnerships have been key for Community Action Agencies to keep helping low-income individuals weather the storm.
