Join the CSBG State Plan Workgroup!

Every two years, the state must submit a CSBG State Plan to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).



What is the CSBG State Plan?

The CSBG State Plan is the blueprint for all federal CSBG funds in our state. It is the strategic framework that:

• Sets the Vision: It outlines the state's specific goals and priorities for tackling the causes and conditions of poverty.
• Ensures Compliance: It details how the state will monitor local CAAs and provide the training and technical assistance needed to meet federal requirements (like the CSBG Organizational Standards and the Results-Oriented Management and Accountability system).
• Governs Funding: It dictates how the funds are distributed among eligible entities and how state discretionary funds will be used for statewide training and coordination.

In short, the State Plan determines how our state uses these crucial resources to support low-income families and communities. Your input is vital to ensure this plan accurately reflects local needs and maximizes our collective impact.

We are recruiting volunteers from across the Community Action Network to join the CSBG State Plan Workgroup. This is a chance to provide direct, hands-on input that will shape the 2026-2028 State Plan.

Workgroup Responsibilities:

The workgroup will kick off in Early November and be responsible for a critical set of tasks:

1. Drafting Assistance: Reviewing key sections of the current plan and assisting state staff in drafting language for new or updated sections, particularly those related to state goals and priorities.
2. Plan Review: Providing critical feedback and technical review of the draft State Plan to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with the realities of service delivery on the ground.
3. Network Informing: Helping disseminate information about the State Plan development process, gathering feedback from your local CAA and community partners, and ensuring the final plan is broadly communicated.

Who Should Sign Up?

We encourage participation from any level of a CAA staff.

Ready to help steer our state's anti-poverty strategy?

Click here to sign up for the CSBG State Plan Workgroup: https://forms.office.com/g/Cjps1Fc2Hm

OEO Dashboards - Coming soon to boards!

The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) has finalized the individualized Agency Dashboards. This key resource presents critical programmatic data for each agency, specifically covering: Organizational Standards Status, metrics from the most recent report, any current Board Vacancies, and essential Needs Assessment information.

Purpose and Use: The dashboard is a streamlined executive summary intended to provide leadership and the Board with a rapid, high-level understanding of agency performance and compliance. Use it to inform strategic discussions and prioritization.

Board Presentation: Please note that these finalized dashboards are scheduled to be emailed to Boards by mid-November to ensure they have the most current information for governance and oversight.

Transforming Virginia's CAA's - Goal 4

Over the course of the next several months we will be reintroducing the Transforming Virginia goals through newsletter articles, trainings and webinars.

This month we are going to focus on Goal 4: CAA plays no role in development of the broader community → CAA’s have an active role in community and economic development as a solution to poverty - CAAs are expected to take an active role in driving community and economic development, addressing the systemic causes of poverty rather than just its immediate effects.

CAAs must be strategic partners, driving economic solutions that address the root causes of poverty rather than only its immediate effects. Achieving this requires a pivot in how we utilize our core resources, forge partnerships, and engage with the economic ecosystem of our service areas.

Community Economic Development (CED) is about building wealth and opportunity within low-income communities. For a CAA, this often means coupling the traditional mission of individual and family self-sufficiency with a larger community lens. This is the Two-Generational Approach to CED:


1. Individual/Family: Providing job training, financial literacy, and career pathway support to increase household income.
2. Community/System: Investing in the local economy through business creation, affordable housing development, and infrastructure improvements to create the jobs and opportunities individuals need.

To fulfill Transforming Virginia Goal 4, your CAA leadership could:

1. Form a Dedicated CED Team: Establish an internal committee, including Board and private sector members, focused solely on community and economic development projects.
2. Network with Economic Developers: Schedule a meeting with your local/regional Economic Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce to explicitly define the CAA's role as a partner in their strategic plan.
3. Review Program Alignment: Audit your current programs (e.g., job training) to ensure they are preparing clients for the high-growth, high-demand sectors identified in your local economic development plan.

Your agency's ability to drive lasting change depends on this transformation. By moving beyond immediate services to influence the local economy, we solidify the CAA network's place as a fundamental force for poverty reduction across the Commonwealth.

Stay Connected - VACAP Federal Update Calls

We encourage all agencies to stay connected with the bi-weekly VACAP federal update calls. These calls provide an opportunity for agencies to connect with VACAP and OEO on the latest federal updates. OEO will issue guidance and interpretation on any new federal information issued in a timely manner. We are coordinating with VACAP to ensure consistent messaging on all new federal information. Stay tuned for information on the next call date and time.

Upcoming Regional Webinars: Providing Effective Feedback

Part 1- December 4 - 1pm-2pm: 60- Minute Webinar: In the first session of this two-part series, Angela Hummel, a seasoned expert in leadership and communication, will guide you through the foundational principles of giving constructive and impactful feedback.

Part 2 - December 10 - 1pm-2pm : Application and Deep Dive: In the second session, Angela Hummel takes you beyond theory and into real-world applications with an interactive workshop-style discussion.