In 1964, Robert Sargent Shriver, under the leadership of President Lyndon B. Johnson, waged the “War on Poverty.” Today, Community Action Agencies nationwide continue fighting this “war,” providing low-income and impoverished individuals and families with the means necessary to become self-sufficient.

To honor his father-in-law’s efforts and Community Action Agencies commitment to the underserved populations in the Golden State, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed May 2008 “Community Action Month.”

“Community Action Month serves as a reminder that we must continue to wage the war against poverty to ensure our fellow Californians have the resources they need to live with dignity and build brighter futures,” says Schwarzenegger. “I join all Californians in expressing gratitude for the individuals and agencies throughout our state that support those in need, and I encourage everyone to take actions to help others and improve lives.”

EOC was established in 1965, one year after President’s Johnson’s Economic Opportunity Act of 1964; the goal of the EOA was to provide all Americans, regardless of their socio-economic status, an equal opportunity to participate in programs that promote health, education, employment, and general welfare.

The Governor’s proclamation is available at http://gov.ca.gov/proclamation/9452