ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The book presents the results of a study of local community action agency leaders in a six-state region comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. It focuses on the perspectives and experience of these leaders, drawing on information obtained through a survey of local community action leaders and interviews with community action leaders. The book describes the major leadership roles, responsibilities, and strengths of the local community action leaders, the types of challenges they face, and how they address leadership issues related to their staff, board, clients, funders, and other organizations within their communities. It provides an overview of community action agencies and discusses the similarities and differences between community action agencies and other organizations that provide similar services. The book explores the ways in which local community leaders develop their approaches and strategies to meet the needs of their communities.
