ABC has a strong link with a range of action groups, made up of community members, educators and service providers, who work to improve conditions. Any interested community members living or working in our region are welcome to join ABC and one or more of the action groups described in this report.

In the past, ABC has used the single term “work group” to describe projects and coalitions with which we have had differing degrees of involvement. We are re-defining our work as three tiers of action, plus a new category for groups that have evolved into programs and no longer need regular assistance from ABC but wish to maintain their affiliation.

THREE TIERS OF ACTION GROUPS

1. Incubation/Development: How to Get Going Problem-solving groups that are just forming will receive results-based accountability support from ABC. ABC will call the meeting, create the agenda, and facilitate the meetings.

Examples: the housing coalition and our recent work on poverty issues

2. Coaching/Support: How to Progress Upon invitation, ABC will work closely with particular initiatives, projects or former work groups to assist them in fulfilling their goals. Support will include providing outreach and education, assisting in the organization and publicity for events, sponsoring grants or offering fiscal agent support.

Example: Community Justice Center and the Windham County Youth Council

3. Networking: ABC will continue to collaborate closely with sister coalitions in our region. We will ask for an annual status report. Their work will be reported in the ABC annual report.

Examples: