March 3rd opened the initial comment period for ROMA Next Generation. The National Association for State Community Services Programs (NASCSP), along with the Association of Nationally Certified ROMA Trainers (ANCRT) have been working diligently over the last few years with the input of Community Action Agencies, State Associations and State Offices to see this new capacity building structure come together.  The first Kick-Off Call was March 8th, with NASCSP, ANCRT, t he Federal Office of Community Services (OCS), and the Community Action Partnership (CAP) Directors, and several additional webinars have taken place 

since to discuss all of the component s.

ROMA Next Generation is the next level of ROMA (Results Oriented Management and Accountability) principles, practices and resources. To this end, NASCSP is focusing on assuring standardized knowledge of the basic ROMA principles and definitions. Along with supporting an increase in capacity of the Network to effectively execute each step of the ROMA Cycle, and providing training and assistance for the CSBG Network to more effectively collect, report, and use their data for decision making.

The comment period to ROMA Next Gen has been extended to April 13, 2016. If you have the time, review the webinars and the proposed changes, answer the survey questions and let our national leaders know what you think about what they are proposing. You can find the list of all the components here.

The February Board Meeting and Day at the Capital proved to be two days full of Community Action information.  It all began with an introduction to the Director of Family Independence, Ann Carter.  Ms. Carter shared the new developments in the CSBG/LIHEAP Office and discussed the questions and concerns of the Board Members.  There was also a State of Georgia Contract Training where the State Office CSBG Staff went over the FY 2016 Contract with all of our Community Action Agencies.

David Gipson, from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), talked about weatherization developments, including the Clean Power Plan and GCAA efforts to partner with GA Power.  The GEFA Office is looking forward to the opportunity to  train our agencies in July at our annual conference as well.

The Board also had a long discussion about Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) here in Georgia. With the newest Implementer certification, there were many ideas that surfaced to make ROMA an even more integral part of our agencies. Effective ideas about more specific Needs Assessment Training and a ROMA Toolkit for the agencies resulted from the discussion and will be implemented throughout 2016.

Lastly, on February 11th, GCAA Board Members spent the afternoon at the Georgia State Capital, talking with staff members of Congressional Representatives. Representatives Roger Bruce, Erica Thomas and Carolyn Hugley came by and talked about what they are working on for their constituents. And Just Energy Circle Partners came and spoke about their agenda to clean, safe and affordable energy solutions for everyone.  

Planning is in full swing for this year's annual conference! Once again in historic, sunny Savannah, Georgia, Community Action Agencies from across the state will come together to network, learn, and even have a little fun. Tuesday, July 19 through Friday, July 22, 2016 are the dates and the Hyatt Regency Savannah is the place. Immediate updates will be available on our Facebook Page and Twitter Feed (@GCAA2).

This Year's Theme:

Shaping the Future... One Family at a Time

At this conference we are planning to have even more fun on Social Media, include CEU accreditation from the National Association of Social Workers - Georgia Chapter, and have several day long trainings on Tuesday for a small, additional fee.

More information coming soon, so stay tuned!

CSRA EOA

Gloria Lewis &  her retirement!

Lola Johnson & her promotion to Executive Director!

Mary Harrison & her promotion to CSBG Director!

FACAA

Yvonne Beckles-Thomas & her retirement!

Sharon Quinn & her promotion t o

Vice President, Program & Services !