Board of Directors

Since 1968, local Community Action Agencies have been required to have tripartite governing boards to gain and retain designation as eligible entities and to receive Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding. Effective tripartite boards reflect and promote the unique anti-poverty leadership, action, and mobilization responsibilities assigned by law to Community Action Agencies. Boards are responsible for assuring that agencies continue to assess and respond to the causes and conditions of poverty in their community, achieve anticipated family and community outcomes, and remain administratively and fiscally sound.

The nature of poverty and our nation's response to it continues to evolve. Many Community Action Agencies are in the process of passing the baton to a new generation of leaders. In these dynamic changing times, tripartite boards help preserve community action focus, effectiveness, and accountability.

Resources

• Developing A Board Training Strategy
• Public CAA Case Study: The Power of a Tripartite Board
• Tools for Top-Notch CAAs: A Practical Approach to Governance and Financial Excellence
• Two-Generation/Whole Family Approach
• Community Needs Assessment
• Community Action Orientation
• CSBG Organizational Standards
• Becoming a Certified Community Action Professional
• ROMA Team
• Strategic Planning

Partners

• National Association of Community Action Partnership
• National Community Action Foundation
• Tennessee Department of Human Services
• Southeastern Association of Community Action Agencies
• Tennessee Housing Development Agency
• National Head Start Association
• Region IV Head Start Association
• HHS Office of Community Services