Earning a CCAP brings value to both the individual and the agency's leadership

“When I received my CCAP, it was the biggest accomplishment I have received in my professional career,” explained Leah Pauletti, MinnCAP’s director of operations and a National CCAP Commissioner who will lead MinnCAP’s CCAP study group this year.

CCAP – Certified Community Action Professional – is a certification designed for current and emerging managers or leaders in the Community Action profession. It establishes standards that encourage future Community Action leaders to carry on the quality work of the movement’s founders. To achieve certification, employment in either a Community Action Agency (CAA), a delegate agency or sub-grantee of a CAA, a CSBG eligible entity, a state or regional association office, or a state community services program office is required.

“CCAP broadens people’s understanding of Community Action” Pauletti continued. “For me, being able to work in a field where there is such a commitment to the Community Action Movement and knowing that there are so many like-minded people in Community Action makes the work seem easy.”

“I am very clear in my expectation for excellence in all that we do and I lead through passion and drive for the work of Community Action,” said Lori Schwartz, executive director of Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership (CAPLP), who has earned her own CCAP and has many staff that have earned their CCAP. “I do my best to role model this style of leading and get others motivated to want the same.”

MinnCAP offers free monthly CCAP study group meetings starting October 19, 2021 (virtual in 2021-2022) in preparation for the Candidate Date Form due in January, Executive Skills Portfolio due in February, and finally the written exam in June.

Earning a CCAP is a lot of work but the rewards are great. “Knowing I am part of a national movement helping to eradicate poverty validates my choice of career,” said Pauletti. “Walking across the stage and shaking the CCAP Commissioners hands, was an honor I place as high as receiving my graduate degree. It was well worth the nights and weekends of studying it took to earn it. I have been able to meet many colleagues locally and nationally because I earned my CCAP, that I would never have known otherwise.”

Schwartz added that having so many CAPLP staff achieve their CCAP has “greatly helped eliminate any ‘siloed’ work among CAPLP’s divisions.” But still, CAPLP takes “this professional development opportunity very serious and is very intentional as to who may be ready to obtain the honor of becoming a CCAP.”

“It is something that will change your life,” Schwartz concluded, “and you will always hold the experience close to your heart!”

WHY

• Gain national recognition for your accomplishments
• Enhance your credibility as a leader in the field
• Increase your competitive edge for higher positions

WHO

• You have held a leadership role for at least 2 years
• You are employed by a qualifying organization: a CAA, delegate agency or sub-grantee of a CAA, a CSBG eligible entity, a state or regional CAA association office, or a state community services program.
• National CCAP qualifications.

HOW

1. Join MinnCAP’s free monthly Study Group sessions: virtual this year, these start October, 19, 2021. Connect with Leah Pauletti to join.
2. Submit the Enrollment Form & Fee
3. Complete a Candidate Data Form (CDF): an accurate record of your experience as a management executive, education, involvement in national, regional, state and local Community Action activities, and in association management activities outside the CAA. The CDF must be received at the Community Action Partnership Office no later than 3rd Wednesday in January of the year of expected certification.
4. Develop an Executive Skills Portfolio (ESP): a sample of work, structured according to specified guidelines, that documents and demonstrates your application of the vision and values of Community Action and contributions made as a manager/leader. The completed ESP must be received at the Community Action Partnership Office by the 3rd Wednesday of February of the year of expected certification.
5. Pass a Written Exam (administered annually on the 3rd Wednesday in June): A minimum score of 300 points on your CDF and a minimum score of 300 points on your ESP along with a combined total minimum score of 700 points for both submissions qualifies you to sit for the examination. The 4-hour exam is based in the Community Action Body of Knowledge document, which cites core areas in which candidates should be highly knowledgeable. The passing score is 70% of the available points. The exam is offered once a year. A study guide is prepared in advance of the examination each year to assist candidates in preparing for the specific examination drawn up for that year.

GET STARTED

• Contact Leah Pauletti: leahpaulettie@minncap.org