Foreword

Interspersed throughout this issue are Voices of Community Action — the voices of executive directors, board members, and staff. Some are personal reflections; others describe their work or tell of the struggles of those who live with poverty. All speak to the commitment of service and change, to personal development and growth, and to the worth of their work. Their stories are 10 matched in the testimony of those who have received services or participated in community action programs. All of these stories bear witness to the importance of what happens on the front lines among leaders, board members, staff, and participants in community action agencies as they work to improve the quality of life for families and communities. Much can be learned from the forty-year experience of community action and the social, economic, and political environment of those years, and we hope that this volume provides some insights as we move forward together in our commitment to social change