Applying the Racial Equity Lens to This Moment: A Resource Tour
2020-08-12 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Join the Partnership as we navigate new resources that are available to advance racial equity in our organizations and our communities.
Register Here

Advocating for your Community: Effective Strategies for Public Policy Engagement
2020-08-13 15:00 - 16:30
CAAs and state associations have unique insight into how proposed policy changes will affect vulnerable populations in their communities. In this webinar, we’ll cover effective strategies for engaging with and educating policymakers while navigating lobbying rules, including an overview of the Partnership’s policy priorities and hypotheticals of common lobbying situations.
Register

Application Deadline: Regional Whole Family Approach Community of Practice
2020-08-14 08:00 - 17:00
Community-based human service organizations and tribal governments in the following states are invited to apply: Alaska, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The Regional Whole Family Approach COP will support 6 community-based organizations, including tribal governments, in achieving greater results for families and communities by deploying a multi-pronged system of learning and support for organizations that are ready to pursue a Whole Family Approach that is strength-based, trauma-informed, and engages the entire community.
Please click here for additional details or to view the application

What is Human Capacity & Community Transformation (HCCT)?
2020-08-20 14:00 - 15:30
Join the Partnership’s Human Capacity & Community Transformation Center of Excellence (HCCT COE) to learn about this three-year, network-wide effort to identify and highlight Community Action’s top initiatives that build human capacity and transform local communities. We will discuss what you need to know and how to be involved.
Register

2020 Annual Convention
2020-08-24 - 2020-08-28
The Partnership’s Annual Convention is the largest gathering of regional, state, and local Community Action Agencies in the United States, drawing more than 1,500 attendees each year. We are at the table with more partners than ever before and our network continues to be at the forefront of program and community development. During this convention, we will come together to showcase our strengths, strategies, and achievements. We’ll also share our best practices in management, program implementation, and capacity building. There is change ahead of us—for the better—as Community Action evolves, reinvents, and continues to achieve excellence.
Click here to learn more.

State Policy Webinar Series #2 - State Partnerships with Head Start/Early Head Start to Build Resilient Systems for Children and Families
2020-09-01 14:00 - 15:30
Governors and state policymakers increasingly recognize the need to build early childhood systems that can weather economic and health crises, such as COVID-19. When state leaders embrace Head Start and Early Head Start as a key community support, children and families benefit from the exemplary comprehensive child and family services Head Start provides in times of need.
On this one-hour webinar, learn from early childhood and Head Start leaders from Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas about how their states have partnered with HS and EHS programs through state funding, cross-agency leadership and on-going efforts to build community strength and collaboration, as well as the impact that has had on children and families. You will leave with a clear sense of how to advance partnerships in your state!
This webinar series is brought to you in partnership with the National Community Action Partnership and ZERO TO THREE and is the second in a three-part state policy webinar series.

Speaker line-up

Karen Grimm-Thomas, Director of External Relations, Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning
Kristina Ellis, Director of Health and Collaborative Services, CAP Tulsa
Alferma Giles, Director, Texas Head Start State Collaboration Office, University of Texas Health Science Center

Register

Securing the Future of the Community Action Movement: Opportunities for State Offices and Associations to Pursue and Promote CCAP
2020-09-09 13:00 - 14:30
Join the National Community Action Partnership, National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP), state associations, and state CSBG office staff to learn more about how states can pursue and promote Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) Certification in 2021 and beyond. Peer states will discuss why CCAP is important to our network, the value of CCAP, the roles state offices and associations can play, and how state leaders can support CCAP efforts.
Presenters will include leaders from NASCSP, the Partnership, state CSBG office staff, CAA associations, CAA executive directors and CCAP commissioners.
Register

Weatherization Day Kickoff Webinar with NASCSP and NCAF
2020-09-09 15:00 - 16:30
Now is the time to start planning your efforts to highlight the impact that WAP has in your State and local community! Weatherization Day is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the WAP across the country. Join CAP, NASCSP and NCAF to access toolkits and resources that may be useful to you, particularly since many activities will likely be virtual this year.

Click here to register for the webinar.

Are Your Customers Leaving Money on the Table? Tips for Ensuring Everyone Receives Their Economic Impact Payment
2020-09-10 15:00 - 16:30
It is estimated that as many as 12 MILLION Americans have not yet received their $1,200 Economic Impact Payment (EIP) to assist with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Action customers are among the most likely to be in this group because of address changes, non-filing of taxes or a lack of awareness of eligibility. Join the National Community Action Partnership and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for more information about how to make sure customers in YOUR community access this important resource.
Presenters:

Denise Harlow, National Community Action Partnership
Dave Sieminski, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Johanna Barrero, ICF
JC Craig, ICF

Register
Additionally, we’d like to bring to your attention this great resource from CFPB, Helping Consumers Claim their Economic Impact Payment. This guide contains step-by-step information for frontline Community Action Agency staff on how to:

Discuss the EIP with CAA-served families;
Determine if families need to take action; and
Support families with what to expect and how to troubleshoot common issues or address scenarios such as not having a permanent address.

Water and Energy Programs Amidst COVID-19: Spotlight on Arizona
2020-09-15 14:00 - 15:30
Water and energy program funding has been critical for families impacted by COVID-19. Join in on this national webinar to hear from colleagues in Arizona on how they have risen to the challenge, and are innovating with technology to ensure a more safe and streamlined program model.
Register

From Risk Assessment to Comprehensive Risk Management
2020-09-17 14:00 - 15:00
Digging Deeper into Organizational Standard 4.6
Organizational Standard 4.6 requires an organization-wide, comprehensive risk assessment to be done every two years and reported to the governing board. While the minimum requirement is the assessment and reporting to the board, it requires action and follow-up by the agency to benefit from the assessment. Join this webinar to learn about meeting this standard, as well as risk management tools, resources, and promising practices to move beyond compliance.
Register Here

Voting 101
2020-09-22 14:00 - 15:00
Are you a new voter? Do you need help educating others? Join this webinar to learn about voter registration, mail-in ballots, federal/state/local election guidelines, and other voting topics.
Register Here

Voting 101
2020-09-22 14:00 - 15:00
Are you a new voter? Do you need help educating others? Join this webinar to learn about voter registration, absentee/mail-in ballots, federal/state/local election guidelines, and other voting topics.
Register Here

Taking Action on Financial Well-Being in Times of Stress
2020-09-23 14:00 - 15:30
During this time of extreme uncertainty and hardship, people’s main financial concerns are likely immediate and stressful. Practitioners, however, can still support action towards financial wellbeing through meaningful connection to the financial future people want. By bringing a mindset of equity to these conversations, you can reduce anxiety and shame about money to help people feel more in control. This means shifting from an emphasis of personal responsibility to integrate how inequitable systems limit what choices are available to people.
Based on recent research with practitioners in April and May 2020, The Prosperity Agenda will share ways for organizations to deepen their financial conversations. For organizations who do not typically talk about money, they’ll offer an accessible way to discuss money that acknowledges strengths and inequities.
Presented by: The Prosperity Agenda
Register

Effective Governance despite Challenging Times
2020-09-24 14:00 - 15:00
Digging Deeper into Organizational Standards 5.5, 5.7, & 5.8
Organizational Standard 5.5 requires the governing board or advisory body to meet in accordance with the frequency and quorum requirements, as well as fill board vacancies as set in the bylaws. This standard in particular can often present more of a challenge during times of crisis or inability to meet in-person, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic. Board training and orientation (standards 5.7 and 5.8) can present similar challenges. Many Community Action Agencies (CAAs) have adapted to continue to meet these standards and develop creative strategies to effectively govern during challenging times. Join this webinar to learn more about covering board meetings during COVID-19, including virtual meetings and compliance with open meeting laws – including specific CAA examples.
Register Here

Census & Redistricting
2020-09-24 15:00 - 16:30
Join us for a conversation about how the 2020 Census could change Congressional, state, and local electoral districts, and impact our communities for the next decade. Learn more about how you can get involved in the process, so your community is fairly represented.
Register

Economic Mobility RFI - Final Comments Webinar
2020-09-25 12:00 - 13:30
Join us to review the National Community Action Partnership’s comments on the interagency Council on Economic Mobility and consider adding your organization’s name in support.
Register

Leveraging Crisis as a Springboard for Action and Innovation
2020-09-30 14:00 - 15:30
During this session, participants will hear Garrett County Community Action Committee Inc.’s ARRA story and the ways that it motivated the agency’s shift to service integration and 2Gen/Whole Family Approach initiatives. Additionally, the Garrett County team will share opportunities or areas of pivot that staff are currently considering in the current crisis to inspire other CAAs to be more strategic with their CARES investments.
Register Here

Community Solar Model in Oregon
2020-10-06 15:00 - 16:30
Community Action Partnership of Oregon (CAPO) is on the leading edge with launching community solar for households with low incomes. Partnering with CAP Solar, CAPO has been able to raise significant funding from investors and keep rates low for households. This work has taken perseverance and been years in the making. Join in on this session to learn more about how you may be able to take your next step with bringing solar to your community.
Register

The Board’s Role in Setting the Mission & Direction of the CAA
2020-10-08 14:00 - 15:00
Digging Deeper into Organizational Standard 4.1
Organizational Standard 4.1 states that the Board reviews the organization’s mission statement within the last 5 years and ensures that it addresses poverty and the programs and services of the agency align with it. While the minimum requirement is the review, the Board has a fundamental duty to set the mission and direction of the organization. Join this webinar to learn about meeting this standard, as well as leveraging Strategic Planning (Category 6) and promising practices to move beyond compliance.
Register Here

State Policy Series #3: Head Start & Early Head Start Advocacy in the States: Strategies that Work!
2020-10-13 12:00 - 13:30
Securing state support for Head Start and Early Head Start requires bringing together family voices, program leadership, partners and a clear policy solution or solutions. On this 3rd in a three-part webinar series from the National Head Start Association, the National Community Action Partnership and ZERO TO THREE, hear from two campaign teams in Idaho and Oregon about strategies and approaches that worked (and are working) for them. You will walk away with clear examples of how to build support for Head Start and Early Head Start’s comprehensive services in your state!
Register

CCAP CANDIDATE DATA FORM GUIDANCE
2020-10-13 13:00 - 14:30
Presented by Jim Lopresti:
Completing the Candidate Data Form (CDF) is the first step in the process of becoming a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP). It is formatted for you to document your learning and experiences in the field of Community Action. In this webinar you will explore the parts of the CDF in great detail and gain valuable insights on how you can complete your own first step toward national recognition as a CCAP.
To register, click here.

Insights for Community Action Agencies (CAAs): Designing Better Programs to Support Young Parent Families
2020-10-19 12:00 - 13:30
Join representatives from the National Community Action Partnership, Third Sector and the Waccamaw Economic Opportunity Council (WEOC) from South Carolina to discuss the importance of elevating young parent families as a priority population and the importance of leveraging a 2Gen approach within Community Action Agencies.
Third Sector will provide an overview of The Southeastern Cohort on Young Parents and Families, comprised of the Kentucky Department of Family Support (DFS), the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), and WEOC. The Southeastern Cohort is working to enhance and align programs, policies, and systems to better support young parents (ages 16-24) and their families. As a member of the Southeastern Cohort, WEOC will share insights from the process of designing STEP UP—a new pilot focused on better supporting young parents through intensive case management. A key topic will include how to measure program performance to achieve 2-gen outcomes using ROMA in conjunction with on-going young parent and provider feedback. The Southeastern Cohort on Young Parents and Families is led by Third Sector and partially funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Speakers:
● Joel Straker, Manager, Third Sector
● Tiffney Marley, CCAP, NCRT. Vice President, Practice Transformation, National Community Action Partnership
● James Pasley, Waccamaw Economic Opportunity Council
● Bradley Phillips, Community Service Specialist and Certified ROMA Trainer, Waccamaw Economic Opportunity Council
Register

An Asset for Community Action’s Families: Resources at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
2020-10-21 14:00 - 15:30
Wednesday, October 21 | 2pm ET/1pm CT/12pm MT/11am PT | Register
We know that COVID-19 has had a major impact on the lives of our most vulnerable families. One area of life that will be affected by the pandemic long after its health and economic impacts have begun to recede is families’ personal finances. The pandemic has stressed many families’ finances and credit in profound ways. Late rent payments, potential evictions, accruing utility/water payment balances, credit card debt and other financial challenges have spiraled. What rights do people have? What tools/resources can help Community Action staff as we work with families to provide hope that they can build a solid financial future? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has many resources available to help, and this webinar will provide an overview of these resources. Learn how!
Presenters: Denise DeVaan, Jill Wheeler, Irene Skricki from CFPB

The Right to Vote: A Short History & Issues for 2020
2020-10-22 15:00 - 16:30
The right to vote is essential to American Democracy. Throughout our history, access to the polls for communities of color and low-income community members has been threatened and jeopardized. Joint us for a short history of attacks on voting rights in America and current concerns for the 2020 cycle.
Register

Evaluating Strategic Plan Progress with Agency-Wide Scorecards
2020-10-29 14:00 - 15:00
Digging Deeper into Organizational Standards 6.5 & 9.3
Organizational Standards 6.5 and 9.3 focus on reporting progress toward strategic plan goals (6.5), as well as an analysis of outcomes and associated adjustments to the board on at least an annual basis. While the minimum requirement is to report this information once a year, there are ways to involve the Board and communicate the information clearly so they can better fulfill their role of governance and oversight. Join this webinar to learn about meeting this standard, as well as utilizing a scorecard or dashboard to organize and communicate data, as well as other promising practices to move beyond compliance.
Register Here

CCAP EXECUTIVE SKILLS PORTFOLIO GUIDANCE
2020-11-10 13:00 - 14:30
Presented by Jim Lopresti:
Submitting the Executive Skills Portfolio (ESP) is the second step in the process of becoming a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP). The ESP is your chance to showcase your skills in doing the work of Community Action. It gives you a vehicle to show that you are a leader who understands Community Action’s vision and values. In this webinar you will get a comprehensive look at what is expected of candidates in this step toward CCAP. And you will gain insight into what the ESP evaluators address when they examine candidates’ ESP submissions.
To register, click here.

Equipping Staff through Robust Orientation & Training
2020-11-12 14:00 - 15:00
Digging Deeper into Organizational Standards 7.8 & 7.9
Organizational Standards 7.8 and 7.9 address the need for timely employee orientation and ongoing training/development. While the minimum requirement is to conduct the orientation within 60 days of hire and ensure ongoing training opportunities are available, a training plan that ties these activities together and connects to the performance evaluation can better equip staff to excel in their positions and improve employee retention. Join this webinar to learn about meeting this standard, as well as components of orientation and training to consider as the CAA moves beyond compliance.
Register Here

Understanding How Our Weatherization Teams Deliver Covid-safe Energy Retrofits: A Quick Education for non-Weatherizers
2020-11-24 15:00 - 16:30
This presentation is for the Board members, executives, colleagues and partners of local Weatherization programs: it will showcase the remarkable COVID health and safety protocols that WAP programs and contractors now follow to ensure everyone, from residents of the homes to workers, is safe. You will meet some of the most talented training, state and local members of the WAP network. It is co- sponsored by CAP’s Weatherization Leveraging Partnership Project and NASCSP.
This webinar will be a brief overview in which you will learn how to appreciate and communicate how WAP meets the safety challenge in high-risk communities, how to distinguish between engineering controls and PPE, about cleaning versus sanitizing, how to make mask choices for different work and more. You will learn how the latest CDC, OSHA and WHO guidance has been adopted for WAP tasks in the ‘field’ conditions of the homes served. You will be prepared to explain the new WAP ways, to reassure the public about safety and to fully appreciate the effort of the WAP networks’ skilled and adaptable workforce.
The short presentation will be followed with a discussion with the audience on the new safety protocols and related issues.4
Register

Caring for Staff in a Time of Crisis
2020-12-02 11:30 - 13:00
Dr. Denese Shervington will be speaking about the implications of trauma-informed practices when caring for your organization and staff in a time of crisis. More information to come!
Register
