November, 1997
Thank you to the several hundred people who participated in developing the Community Action Network's (CAN) community-wide plan. It is through the hard work and dedication of our citizenry that a community-wide process has come to fruition.
Last fall, leaders from the planning teams conducted a briefing session on each issue area of the plan and I began to formulate a description of the Community Action Network with a series of words that begin with the letter "C". As community leaders presented the CAN planning process, the words "care, compassion and competency" came to mind. These qualities are an integral part of the health and human services and education communities. The next words that I wrote were "communication, cooperation, coordination, collaboration, commitment and consolidation." I sensed a spirit in the room that encouraged each of these words in a way that I do not believe has always existed. A by-product of this spirit seemed to be a "comprehensive" or holistic approach to services that I found refreshing. Also, I sensed that one very negative "C" word "competition" among providers for limited funds may be diminished by our continued efforts.
I am optimistic that as the Community Action Network continues fostering an environment that supports the positive "C" words, the often used word "Turf" will be replaced with "Trust". When our community achieves this transformation, we are guaranteed our goal of achieving a healthier community. I look forward to this exciting journey. Together we can do so much more!
One final word. The Community Action Network planning structure is composed of a Planning Oversight Committee and eleven active Planning Bodies whose work is represented in this Community Action Plan. These bodies are: Early Education and Care Planning Body, AISD Comprehensive Planning Structure, Capitol Area Workforce Development Board, Adult Mental Health Planning Partnership, Children's Mental Health Planning Partnership, Mental Retardation\ Developmental Disabilites Planning Partnership, Substance Abuse Planning Partnership, Health Planning Body, Homeless Task Force, Basic Needs Planning Body, Afffordable Housing Task Force and Community Justice Council. For information or referral on the CAN Community Planning Process, please contact the CAN Staff at (512) 414-8203.
Earl Maxwell
Chairman
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