November 2021
Welcome to IACAA News!
This e-newsletter will come to you regularly to provide you with information you need to support your agency.
Upcoming Training Opportunities at IACAA
Poverty Coach or Poverty Navigator - let's talk about customer engagement 
Dec 7, 2021 10:00 AM CST 

CAAs develop systems to work with individuals and families that experience poverty, but do we spend enough time figuring out what our roles within those systems?
Are we specialists, coaches, navigators or a combination of all three? Join in the discussion as we take on this topic - featuring your CA peers.
Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (Illinois Department of Human Rights - compliant for all employees) 
Dec 14, 2021 2:00 PM CST

Please join Donna Rogers Skowronski, M.Ed., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, IMPA-CP for this required webinar. Donna is a familiar presence for the the Illinois CAA network and we welcome her expertise. This webinar will cover the mandated Illinois Department of Human Rights training. An attendance certificate will be sent to the email you used for registration and will show up in your inbox 24 hours after the conclusion of the training. Attendance will be verified using the attendee report. You must attend the full webinar to comply with the law. The certificate must be submitted to your agency HR staff as proof of attendance and completion.
Exploring Illinois Solar for All 
Dec 15, 2021 10:00 AM CST 

Opportunities are available through the State's Illinois Solar for All program to lower operating costs at Community Action Agencies through solar. This session will prepare CAA leadership to pursue solar at their agencies and will highlight the experience of CEFS and BCMW in the Illinois Solar for All Program. Additionally, a brief overview of funding for community education on the Illinois Solar for All program, which CAAs are invited to apply for, will be provided.
CAA Boards: Coordination and Care, Part 2 for CAA staff
Jan 06, 2022 at 1:00 PM CST

Community Action Boards for both public and private agencies require attention, coordination and care. Today's training will go deeper, examine the utility of coordination and care of the board and include scenarios that will promote critical thinking and good practices. 
Organizational Leadership Series - #1 - Mission Driven, Poverty Focused
Jan 19, 2022 at 1:00 PM CST

Join us for the Organizational Leadership Series - starting with the all important need for a mission driven organization with a primary focus on addressing poverty. We will take on the value of mission, examine the construct of mission and puzzle through some of the assumptions that are made when considering poverty.
It's Time to Submit Your Nomination for the 2022 Families of Distinction Program!

The Families of Distinction program highlights the outstanding work of CAA staff by celebrating families and individuals who have overcome great personal and social obstacles in their pursuit of self-sufficiency. This event elevates how the Illinois Community Action Network empowers families to identify and utilize their personal strengths to enrich their lives. 

Every year, IACAA asks that each agency nominates one (1) family or individual who has made significant progress towards stability and self-sufficiency with the assistance of their agency.

IACAA appreciates the time and effort that each agency puts into nominating a “Family of Distinction” each year. In order to streamline the process and make it easier for all parties involved, we have created a new application process. 

Filling out the application is easy!
To submit a nomination, simply:
The Illinois association of Community Action Agencies Presents
New Staff Spotlight!
Meet Nicole Popejoy, Program Specialist
Nicole joined IACAA in October of 2021. Nicole is wife and mother of two wonderful children. Her family enjoys working out, hiking, and camping together. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling. Her passion for helping others and desire to make a difference, has driven her career path. She was previously a Program Manager of a swim school, before she was a Youth Program Director at the YMCA. Nicole states "I am excited to be working with IACAA, and look forward to this new venture."

Welcome Nicole!
What Do You Want to See At the 2022 IACAA Annual Conference?

The 2021 IACAA Virtual Conference was filled with exceptional content and eager-to-learn attendees! One of our top priorities is ensuring our conferences represent the topics, issues, and speakers most relevant to our attendees. Therefore, we would like to invite program ideas directly from our community. In 2022, we're looking for speakers and session topics to continue the momentum and help us build the best Community Action program yet.

We are seeking best practices and thought-provoking ideas based on the Promise of Community Action.  

to complete the Speaker/Content Submission Survey