Two Agencies Launch Effort to Reduce Poverty

Two Agencies Launch Effort to Reduce Poverty

The Parental Stress Center and Family Services of Western Pennsylvania, two Pennsylvania Alliance members, are partnering to fight poverty in the Pittsburgh area through the new Citizens Leadership Initiative.

The Citizens Leadership Initiative (CLI) will support and develop the capacity of vulnerable citizens to actively participate in civic life, and offer a vehicle for people to educate themselves and become empowered to improve community conditions.

Through the project, 25 individuals will be selected as CLI fellows. They will participate in a year-long program to design and execute a civic engagement project. Human service agencies will provide training in leadership skills, community organizing, and advocacy outreach.

“The Citizens Leadership Initiative is a wonderful example of how Alliance members can collaborate, combining their mission-based advocacy efforts and linking them to a National Family Week observance,” said Paula Purcell, director of special projects for the Alliance.

After the 12-week training program, the fellows will implement their planned civic engagement project. This process will help participants learn about community issues, establish priorities, and lead action on public policy matters.

Knowledge gathered by the CLI fellows through the project will be compiled in a report to the community featuring recommendations for additional activities and/or public policy change. The report will also be presented to local leaders including elected officials, directors of nonprofit/public agencies, foundation presidents, and the media in September 2008.

Finally, all CLI fellow graduates will be nominated to serve on municipal boards and commissions, nonprofit agency boards, and other civic leadership positions after completing the initiative.

A new emphasis on National Family Week in 2007 includes identifies lead agencies that can serve as role models. These lead agencies receive more substantial grant funds to further develop their advocacy and civic engagement efforts. They will link their year-round efforts by culminating or launching family-strengthening initiatives during a National Family Week celebration, and provide advice and knowledge to other Alliance members.

Learn more about the Citizens Leadership Initiative at www.nationalfamilyweek.org.

National Family Week is sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.