Advocacy & Policy Goals

CSBG funding is integral to CAAs, allowing them to design and implement programs specifically catering to the local parameters and needs of their communities. The allocation of CSBG funds directly impacts the array of services CAAs can offer, from emergency support to long-term empowerment programs. Moreover, advocating for increased federal CSBG funds, and leveraging state and community support, can facilitate the growth and scaling up of successful programs, thereby extending the reach and positive impact of the community action network across Georgia and beyond. CSBG funding is pivotal for both immediate relief for those in poverty and the long-term improvement of community conditions. By advocating for this essential grant, the Georgia Community Action Association is actively working to secure the resources necessary to foster an environment where community-led solutions pave the way for lasting socioeconomic improvement, thus reinforcing our collective commitment to combating poverty at its roots.

Supporting funding and policies that bolster Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programs are among our key legislative priorities. Such programs are specifically designed to provide low-income children and their families with a comprehensive suite of services that address educational needs, health, nutrition, and parental involvement, setting a strong foundation for their future academic and social success. Through our advocacy, we aim to ensure that vulnerable families have the opportunity to enroll their children in programs that offer quality early educational experiences. HS/EHS not only nurtures the individual potential of each child but also strengthens families and communities by improving the prospects for generational advancement and economic resilience. Georgia Community Action Association's advocacy for these early childhood programs is rooted in our commitment to equality of opportunity and the belief that every child deserves the best start in life, enhancing the social capital of the community, regardless of economic status. 

Our focus on workforce development highlights a commitment to refine and expand job training, education initiatives, and support systems leading toward gainful employment. Policies introduced as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provide a foundational structure for our educational and workforce programming. Advocating and developing policies that influence educational and workforce services, our network ensures that adults are not just finding jobs, but are equipped to pursue sustainable careers that offer longevity, stability, and the chance for progression. We believe in the cyclical benefits of a trained and educated workforce for the vibrant growth of both communities and the economy at large. With these educational and workforce development strategies at the forefront of our policy-making, we aim to lay down a series of interconnected pathways that will lead countless adults out of poverty and towards a future of economic resilience and empowerment.

Our robust advocacy efforts for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) focus on securing the necessary funds to assist households struggling to meet the cost of their energy bills. Alongside LIHEAP, we champion the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Through WAP, families receive energy conservation interventions that lead to significant reductions in their energy bills over the long term. Energy efficiency is a key component in our approach to community action. It lowers the cost of living for individuals and contributes to environmental sustainability. Our network builds strategic partnerships with utility companies, non-profits, and government agencies to craft comprehensive energy assistance strategies that align with the needs of low-income households. This includes providing education on energy savings and equipping families to manage their energy consumption more effectively.

Ultimately, by prioritizing energy assistance and weatherization programs like LIHEAP and WAP, we are taking actionable steps to alleviate the burden of high energy costs on low-income households, contributing to their stability, sustainability, and well-being.

The Georgia Community Action Network steadfastly promotes policies that ensure the availability of affordable housing, acknowledging it as a fundamental right and a crucial element in preventing homelessness. A major component of our strategy is the emphasis on robust rental assistance programs and homeownership. In parallel with financial education and assistance, we recognize the importance of supportive services that attend to the multifaceted challenges faced by Georgia families. We collaborate with stakeholders across sectors to ensure a holistic approach to housing and homelessness prevention, one that brings together resources, expertise, and community support to deliver comprehensive aid to those in need. Overall, our commitment to affordable housing and homelessness prevention is intrinsic to our mission to empower individuals and build stronger communities. Through persistent policy advocacy and the bolstering of rental assistance, home ownership, and supportive services, we aim to establish a foundation upon which economic and social well-being can be achieved.

We are relentless in advocating for both local and state-level initiatives that facilitate job creation, focusing on the development of a thriving economy where every individual has access to employment opportunities. This includes supporting small businesses, advocating for the expansion of industries that offer a living wage, and ensuring that workforce development programs align with market needs. Also, affordable housing stands as a pillar of the network's advocacy efforts. Accessible healthcare and adequate nutrition are fundamental to family well-being. Thus, the network robustly supports food security programs that aim to ensure that no Georgian goes hungry. This includes bolstering initiatives such as food banks, community gardens, and federal nutrition assistance programs, making sure they are adequately funded and reaching those in greatest need. By championing these multifaceted and interrelated policies, the Georgia Community Action Network takes a comprehensive approach to poverty eradication. Our goal is not only to alleviate the immediate hardships associated with poverty but also to create systemic change that fosters sustainable self-sufficiency and resilience among families throughout Georgia.