Do you want to help set the direction for Somerville’s anti-poverty agency?  The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) is seeking candidates for its Board elections, coming up in October.

“We are looking for representatives from the community to join representatives of the City and the private sector on the CAAS Board,” said Acting Executive Director Melissa McWhinney.  “You must be a Somerville resident, but no special expertise is required.  What you do need is a sincere interest in the well-being of low-income households in Somerville and the will to learn about the issues affecting them, plus commitment and time.”

The CAAS Board is responsible for maintaining the mission, values, and financial integrity of the organization.  The Board normally meets on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month. (The next two meetings will be August 28 and October 2.  CAAS actively seeks to increase the racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity of its Board.    If you are interested in serving, please call Director of Planning Dennis Fischman at (617) 623-7370, x105 or Sonja Darai, Vice President of the CAAS Board, at 617-625-6600, x2406.

Board elections will take place during the week of October 1, at various locations throughout the City of Somerville at adult learning organizations, public housing sites, public service agencies, CAAS offices, and Head Start sites.  All low-income residents of Somerville (up to 175% of the federal poverty level) are eligible to vote in these elections.  New Board members will be sworn in at CAAS’ Annual Meeting at the Somerville City Club on the evening of Tuesday, October 23.

The mission of the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) is to reduce poverty among local families and individuals while working to counteract, and whenever possible eliminate, the societal conditions that cause and perpetuate poverty.  For more information, see www.caasomerville.org, or find us on Facebook.