CAAP 2007 Annual Conference

	Click image for conference program

CAAP's 2007 Annual Conference, "Growing Great Communities," was held on October 24 - 26, 2007 in Harrisburg, PA.

Great Communities do not just happen, they are cultivated by the citizens, government and businesses that live and operate within their borders. For over 40 years, Community Action Agencies have been tending to the needs of their communities, carefully providing the necessary elements to help it's people live healthy and fertile lives.

This year's conference again featured a wide variety of speakers. Below, posted in both Windows Media and Quicktime video formats, you can watch the conference speakers.

To download and read the complete conference program in PDF format, click here, or on the program cover to the right.

To enter the Growing Great Communities website, click here.

 

 

Secretary Dennis Yablonski

In this video Sec. Dennis Yablonski of the Pennsylvania Dept. of Community and Economic Development opens Growing Great Communities with a welcome message. Posted 10-31-07.

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.264

---

Complete conference video coverage:

Download Phil DeVol's presentation powerpoint.

Keynote Address: Growing Great Communities, Phil DeVol
How do you grow a great community? How do you bring citizens, government, business and the necessary resources together to have maximum positive impact on those living in poverty and the community? By having a greater understanding of the challenges, and strengths, of those struggling to get by each day, everyone can better address the systemic issues that hold people within the bounds of poverty.

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.264

---

Download Monica Castillo Maggiano's presentation powerpoint.
Download Edith Pollock Karsky's presentation powerpoint.

Plenary Session: "Fighting Poverty Across the Country" -- Senator Tarryl Clark, Minnesota Senate, Monica Castillo Maggiano, Catholic Charities & Edith Pollock Karsky, Connecticut Assoc. for Community Action.
Across the country the issue of poverty is becoming an issue that is getting more attention. Multiple national and state groups have developed plans to drastically reduce poverty in America. Hear three approaches, one national and two state, to cut poverty.

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.264

---

Media Panel -- "The Growing Interest of Poverty in the Media"-- Dale Davenport, Patriot-News and Robert Uhrinak, Beaver County Times. Facilitated by Cathleen Palm, Cathleen Palm & Associates. Ever since Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005, discussions on poverty in America have taken a more consistent role in public policy and among the media. Poverty has even re-entered the presidential campaign as a primary issue for the first time in many, many years. Join a panel of newspaper editors as they discuss why the media taken a renewed interest in poverty.

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.264

---

Download Darlene Bigler's presentation powerpoint.

CAAP Membership Meeting -- In this video, CAAP Board President Darlene Bigler and Executive Director John Wilson hold a business meeting of the state association. Taped on October 24, 2007. Posted 10-31-07.

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.264

---

Secretary Estelle Richman -- 'Harvesting Common Results' --Secretary Estelle Richman, Department of Public Welfare.
The Pennsylvania Department of Welfare (DPW) and CAAs have a strong partnership of working together to eliminate poverty and assist those that live within the confides of poverty. Through common public policy and innovative programs, both entities have successfully moved numerous individuals from poverty to self-sufficiency. The Secretary of DPW will provide insight into the issues facing the state as it moves forward with its low-income assistance initiatives.

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.264

---

Download Jim Master's presentation powerpoint.

"The New National Conversation on Poverty" -- Don Mathis, Community Action Partnership & Jim Masters, Center for Community Futures.
Hear from the new president/CEO of the Community Action Partnership, Don Mathis, on his strategic vision for the future of the national organization and the Partnership role in the New National Conversation on Poverty and Economic Security (NCPES). Mr. Masters will present on the NCPES and how it compliments other poverty reduction initiatives being instituted across the country.

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.264

---

Download David Bradley's presentation powerpoint.

David Bradley -- "Poverty and Politics" -- David Bradley, National Community Action Foundation. The politics of poverty is a carefully balanced game of needs, resources, influence and determination. Mr. Bradley will discuss the successes and challenges of keeping poverty and related issues in front of the nation’s leaders and lawmakers.

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.264

---

Margy Waller -- "A New Lens for Policy Goals" -- Margy Waller, Inclusion.
Recently, policy advocates in the United States have taken note of efforts in the United Kingdom, as well as in other countries, to meet formal goals of ending poverty. Inclusion notes the limitations of the poverty measure and lens, and proposes an alternative concept, also borrowed from other nations. A number of other countries have created official plans for social and economic inclusion. A social inclusion measure assesses how well the lowest paid are keeping pace with the rest of workers, and addresses other issues including health, education, housing, skills, advancement, and opportunity. The concept of social inclusion has considerable potential to improve both our understanding of social issues and social policies. 

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.26

 

---

2007 CAAP Self-Sufficiency Awards -- For 11 years the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania has been celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of the individuals who are served by our Community Action Agencies. In this video, we present 30 success stories of self-determination and the journey to self-sufficiency. Taped on October 26, 2007.

Watch in:

   Windows Media  | Quicktime 7 H.264

---