Governor Proclaims Community Action Month 2022

WHEREAS, more than 1.4 million North Carolina residents are currently living in poverty, many more are likely to experience poverty during their lifetime, on top of the ongoing health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains greatest among low-income families; and

WHEREAS, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are nonprofit private and public organizations established in 1964 with the enactment of the Economic Opportunity Act, designated to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina's 34 CAAs provide programs and services in collaboration with a network of local, state and national partners and service providers to lead families from poverty to economic self-sufficiency; serving tens of thousands of diverse people in 2021; and

WHEREAS, nearly 1,000 volunteers give their time to CAAs who work to provide people with the resources and services they need to overcome unemployment, hunger, illiteracy, inadequate housing, discrimination, and exploitation; and

WHEREAS, CAAs are governed by a uniquely structured tripartite board of directors whose members represent three diverse segments of the local community, which include a third from the low-income community, a third from private sector, and a third from public sector; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina’s community action network serves families in all 100 counties, contributing to making our state a better place to live, work, and play; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina joins the national effort to designate May as Community Action Month to celebrate the successes of CAAs, honor the dedication of their volunteers, and commend the achievements of individuals who have benefited from the diverse programs of Community Action; and

WHEREAS, Community Action will continue to implement innovative programs that create a greater chance at success for everyone, will continue to focus on a broader range of community challenges to ignite economic growth and ensure all families can benefit, and will continue to be a voice for the disenfranchised;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May, 2022, as “COMMUNITY ACTION MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.