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CCAP Testimonials
A survey of Certified Community Action Professionals (CCAPs) recently conducted by the Community Action Partnership demonstrates the difference obtaining certification has made not only in the careers of the CCAPs themselves but for the agency where they are employed as well. The survey respondents included executive directors and representatives of 14 other senior management positions in Community Action. The median length of service in Community Action for the respondents was 18 years. The senior most respondents have been in Community Action work for 35 years; the newest less than five years.
- 73% endorsed the statement that CCAP increased their pride at being involved in Community Action. (Some of the remainder said that they were “already proud.”)
- 65% endorsed the statement that CCAP heightened their motivation in Community Action work. (Some of the remainder said that they were “already motivated.”)
- 44% said that having CCAP on staff assisted their agency in better positioning itself for financial, or other, recognition.
- 34% reported that becoming a CCAP contributed to an increase in their salary.
- 24% attributed a promotion to a position of higher responsibility to their obtaining certification.
An Executive Director from Louisiana, who has been in Community Action for 30 years, said: “Credibility and professionalism has improved the Agency’s ‘competitive edge’ in federal and local grant acquisitions formulating budgetary strategies to become more self-supporting and has been the cornerstone in successful repositioning of my agency.... Certification will be a prerequisite for consideration for the position (of my replacement) at the appropriate time.”
A President/CEO from Illinois, who has been in Community Action for 28 years, said: “There have been times when having initials behind my name has enabled me to ‘get in the door’ with other professionals.... I am requiring all my managers to complete theirs — one per year. I hope that by their going through the process, they will look beyond contractual management, to an advocate role. It’s important to me that they look at the ‘Big Picture’ when working with families and not just their specific program requirements.”
A Deputy Director from New York, who has been in Community Action for 14 years, said: “The CCAP process is an excellent opportunity to focus on the movement, trends, legislation, etc., which are all part of where Community Action is today in America. The process forces a person to assess himself or herself and the skills needed to lead. It also motivates a person to place themselves within the movement and to see how their work fits into the overall scheme.... Our agency has four CCAPs now and at least one more in process.... As more and more staff members study for and obtain the CCAP designation, our agency will continue to grow in the understanding of and appreciation for the movement and the many obstacles it has overcome along the way to today’s successes. The professional designation shared by more and more staff members in common will lead to a better understanding and appreciation of each other, our work, and our collective talents.”
An Executive Director from Iowa, who has been in Community Action for six years, said: “(CCAP) greatly increased my motivation. Most importantly, (it) gave me a real sense of our vision and values and identity as a member of a ‘movement.’ Understanding our roots was extremely important.... Knowing our history, development, and vision and values gives a real sense of pride in what (we) are doing.” This CCAP also said that a benefit of becoming a CCAP is “feeling a part of something bigger than yourself or your agency, feeling ‘validated’ and ‘empowered’ by your peers, and a sense of truly being considered a ‘professional.’ I plan to impart what I have learned to our staff and, thus, improve the agency. Bottom line: (Certification) better[s] our community and the people we serve.”
An Executive Director from Kentucky, who has been in Community Action for 21 years, said: CCAP “is a confirmation that one’s peers recognize one’s accomplishments and abilities to work in a very unique environment.... We are totally committed and have set obtaining the CCAP as a goal for all managers.... (Certification is an) outstanding way to ‘pass the torch.’”
An Executive Director from Georgia, who has been in Community Action for three years, said: “(CCAP has) heightened my sense of responsibility to those persons and events that have contributed to the history and accomplishments of the movement. I look at the history and accomplishments of the CAP movement and marvel at issues to be addressed and all of the potentials of the movement…. (CCAP) raises the bar for me personally and sets a standard for the agency.”
A Development Coordinator from Maine, who has been in Community Action for 13 years, said: “Becoming a CCAP validated my commitment to, and knowledge of, Community Action. I believe the executive director began to see me and my capacities in a new light, which led to my involvement as a leader and paved the way for a shift in responsibilities."
An Executive Director from Utah, who has been in Community Action for 35 years, said: “Some days I wonder if I am really able to make a difference in the lives of poor people. Then I review my code of ethics (which I carry in my planner) and review the accomplishments of our agency and the people we serve, and I know we have made a positive difference.... I take great pride in being a part of this wonderful (and at times frustrating) CAP world.... Becoming a CCAP personally validated for me my career choice.... I believe that being a CCAP has added a great deal of credibility to our requests for funding from a multitude of sources. Whenever I sign official agency documents or contracts, I make sure ‘CCAP’ follows my name and/or signature."
A Community Service Director from Missouri, who has been in Community Action for 22 years, said: “Being a CCAP has contributed to my credibility in this venue when I work with other agencies in the community.... For a non-degree person who holds a position of the scope of my position, it is very helpful to have a professional credential.... I learned so much about the history of Community Action and the commitment of Community Action leaders through the years; how could I NOT take pride in being a part (of Community Action).”
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