March 2025

Upcoming Training and Events

Grant Writing Lunch & Learn (March 27, 12-1pm) - Join us to hear from Karen Thomas, a seasoned grant writer with extensive experience across federal, state, and local agencies. Currently a grant writer at VDSS, Karen will offer valuable tips on both identifying and writing successful grants. Additionally, Community Action Peer Leader Gillian Barney will share her insights, drawing from her many successful grant writing and award experiences with Thrive Virginia.

Fireside Chat Series: Change Makers Designing & Innovating - This series is designed to guide community action agencies in developing and applying a Local Theory of Change that aligns with evolving community needs in a constantly shifting landscape. Click here for full information on this series. Register

April 3, 2025 (10-11:15 a.m.) Crafting Your Blueprint for Change - The Local Theory of Change in Action

April 10, 2025 (10-11:15 a.m.) Adapting to Change: Designing Your Theory of Change in a Shifting World

April 17, 2025 (10-11:15 a.m.) Innovating for Impact: Breaking the Mold with Your Theory of Change

VACAP Regional Meetings - Join your fellow community action peers from across the state at VACAP's Regional Meetings in Williamsburg and Wytheville. Please register with the date and location that works best for you and your agency. You may register for both meetings as well. Please also click “I cannot attend” with the regional meeting date and location that does not work for you (so that you don’t receive future reminders). Agencies with weatherization programs are encouraged to attend the May 12th half-day Weatherization Leadership Pre-Conference Opportunity.

College of William & Mary's School of Education, Williamsburg (May 8, 10am-2:45pm) - Register
Wytheville Meeting Center, Wytheville (May 13, 9:30am-2:45pm) New this year: Weatherization Leadership Pre-Conference, Open Door Café, Wytheville (May 12, 2-7pm) - Register

Region III Presents: Foundations of Self-Care (Webinar June 12, Deep Dive June 18) - Join your fellow community action agency staff members from throughout the region for this special look at how to manage self care during stressful times. Save the date - registration opening soon.

Previously-Recorded Webinars

CAP Plan Webinar - The Office of Economic Opportunity Team reviewed the 25-26 Community Action Plan in a live webinar on March 11th. Community Action Plans are due May 1, 2025. - Watch Now

For a complete list of upcoming community action training and events, visit https://vacsbg.learnworlds.com/calendar.

Agency Resources

For more resources, visit https://vacsbg.learnworlds.com. Select the Resources Tab and choose from a wide range of subjects including Program Resources, Executive Director Resources, Board Resources, Fiscal Resources, and more! Do you have a great resource you'd like to share? Send an email to gail.doyle@dss.virginia.gov and we'll get the word out!

2025-24

CAP Plan Manual

This guide is designed to help Virginia’s Community Action Agencies design and implement their community action plans. Inside this manual, you will find helpful tools, resources, and tips

to aid in the development of a comprehensive and effective plan of action for your programs.

Download

2025 NCAF Community Action Messaging Toolkit - This resource provides a collection of network talking points for communicating the critical importance of Community Action Agencies to local communities across the country. The toolkit also includes sample graphics and social media posts, along with guidance on how to quickly and easily add your agency's logo to the templates provided. This tool is also helpful as you plan your 2025 National Community Action Month promotions in May!

Organizational Standards Guidance Manuals - Recently OEO presented a webinar which delved into the CSBG organizational standards, focusing on promoting quality and accountability across agencies. This session featured detailed manuals which will be helpful as we gear up to do a Spring Cleaning of your standards.

Two-Generation Mutual Reinforcement Measurement Tool - Two-generation initiatives intentionally combine intensive, high quality adult-focused services with intensive, high quality child-focused programs (such as Head Start or early childhood education) to improve outcomes for children, primary caregivers, and families. This tool can help you with measuring mutual reinforcement in your Whole Family Programs.

LearnWorlds Virginia CSBG Learning Management System

Virginia Department of Social Services - CSBG Office

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