Community Action Month with JCEO
It’s May, which means it’s Community Action Month! To kick off the celebrations, we want to reflect on the history and profound impact of community action initiatives. Since its inception in 1964, Community Action has been a driving force in empowering Americans, fostering social change, and cultivating strong, resilient communities.
The Origins:
Community Action can be traced back to the 1960s, a period marked by social upheaval and a burgeoning civil rights movement. As part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s declaration of War on Poverty, the Economic Opportunity Act was enacted in 1964, laying the foundation for Community Action Agencies like JCEO. This legislation aimed to mobilize local communities in the fight against poverty, empowering them to identify and address their own unique needs. And it worked! In the decade following the passage of the EOA, poverty rate in the United States fell from 19% in 1964 to 11.6% in 1973.
Visit our What is Community Action page for a timeline that highlights the progression of Community Action Agencies after the passage of the historic Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
The Mission:
To provide resources and services that enhance people’s dignity and self-reliance.
The Values:
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 believe that this nation has the capacity and moral obligation to ensure that no one is forced to endure the hardships of poverty.
We believe that with hope, adequate resources, and opportunities, everyone can reach their fullest potential, and we are committed to achieving that vision.
We pledge ourselves to creating an environment that pursues innovation and excellence through multi-sector partnership and collaboration.
The Promise:
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
How are we celebrating?
For the month of May, staff are taking part in weekly celebrations, including a potluck of favorite foods, a dress-like-the-60’s day, and show and tell! Print off one of the coloring sheets below to join the fun.
JCEO’s Board of Directors celebrating Community Action at our 2024 Annual Meeting
Every year JCEO Head Start kiddos color in Huggy Hearts for Community Action Month - since this year marks the 60th anniversary of Community Action, we included a second coloring sheet option.
