Affirming our Core Values
Community Action has always stood for and advanced the promise of equal opportunity for all. The horrific death of George Floyd this past week brings into sharp focus how far we have to go as a society to address the social and economic inequality that persist as historic impediments to the kind of fair, open, just, and inclusive country that fosters belonging not exclusion, that we aspire to be.
We join with those who have raised their voices against discrimination and injustice and racist violence. Community Action, since its founding more than 55 years ago, has worked to address the public and economic policy that creates racial and economic inequities and marginalized communities. We have also been a voice for our vulnerable friends and neighbors who work every day to strengthen their communities.
Among Community Actions core values is the assertion that “We believe that all people should be treated with dignity and respect and recognize that structural race, gender and other inequities remain barriers that must be addressed…we care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.”
How do we in the face of economic inequality and racism advance that promise of equal opportunity? We do what we have always done. We will continue to work to promote programs and policies that advance economic justice, and ultimately, eliminate poverty. We pledge to not be silent, to raise the policies and issues that create and perpetuate racial inequities and work with our federal, state, and local allies, our boards, and the people we serve to make true change, raise awareness and rededicate ourselves to strengthening and empowering our communities.