CSBG-DCL-2023-11 Community Action Month FY 2023

Publication Date: May 1, 2023
Current as of:

Community Services Block Grant

Dear Colleague Letter

DCL#: CSBG-DCL-2023-11

DATE: May 1, 2023

TO: The CSBG Network

SUBJECT: We See You: Partnering Across the Community Action Network to Advance Equity/Community Action Month 2023 

ATTACHMENT(S): N/A

Dear Colleague,

Community Action creates pathways to prosperity by advancing equity, promoting economic stability, and mobilizing resources that support community-driven solutions for the purpose of addressing the causes and consequences of poverty. The Office of Community Services’ (OCS) Division of Community Assistance (DCA) is excited to celebrate Community Action Month, as a time to acknowledge and amplify the work the Community Action Network (the Network) does to “embody the spirit of hope, improve communities, and make America a better place to live.” During this month, we want to amplify the work of the network, highlight successes, and thank everyone who makes community action possible. 

To celebrate the 59th year of Community Action, OCS has chosen the theme, “We See You: Partnering Across the Community Action Network to Advance Equity.” Equity is a cornerstone of Community Action, as is evident in the goals of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): to reduce poverty, revitalize communities, and empower individuals and families. 

Each week during Community Action Month, you will hear from senior leaders across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each leader will share their thoughts on the power of Community Action, as well as highlight some of the important efforts that are underway across the country.

This week, I am pleased to demonstrate the role CSBG and Community Action plays in advancing equity, promoting self-sufficiency, and breaking the generational cycle of poverty by sharing with you a story of Community Action’s impact in Washington, DC. In Reggie’s Story , we are able to witness the transformative power of Community Action and how it was used to change the lives and trajectories of three generations of family members—Reggie, his father, and his daughter.

This Community Action Month, I hope you take time to reflect on how our Network’s anti-poverty strategies advance equity by helping underserved individuals and communities achieve stability and self-sufficiency. I also hope that during the month you will be inspired to develop, enhance, and implement efforts to further advance equity including:

  • Identifying and addressing the root causes of inequity in underserved communities.
  • Dismantling programs and policies that perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunity.
  • Breaking down service silos and promoting integrated care.
  • Developing methods to support grant recipients in strategic planning to address practices and policies that historically exacerbate inequity.
  • Centering the voices of those served, as part of our commitment to equity.

Be sure to access the Community Action Month page available on the OCS website, as well as the National Community Action Partnership website. Please also connect with us on Twitter @OCS_ACFgov .

Please take time this month to celebrate yourselves as you reflect on the impact of your work and know that We See You!

/s/
Charisse Johnson
Director, Division of Community Assistance
Office of Community Services