Resource Library
All of CAPLAW’s resources and publications are now available in CAPLAW’s new Resource Library. Use the search filters below to find the resource you need.
Featured Resources
Dynamic Duos Podcast
Mutual respect and trust between leaders at a Community Action Agency (CAA) is essential to the stability of the organization. Without a strong relationship between a CAA board chair and executive...
Complying with the New Head Start Performance Standards
On August 21, 2024, the federal Office of Head Start (OHS) released extensive regulatory changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) in Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming (the Final Rule)…
Open Meetings Law State-by-State Guide
Open meetings laws typically apply to federal, state, and local governmental bodies. However, some states expand applicability to non-governmental entities, such as recipients of government grants and certain nonprofit organizations…
Merger of a Maine CAA and Non-CAA
This case study is based on CAPLAW’s interview with Mike Tarpinian, Chief Executive Officer of the Opportunity Alliance in Portland, Maine, about the merger of a Community Action Agency, Peoples’ Regional Opportunity Program, Inc., with Youth Alternatives Ingraham to form the Opportunity...
Board Composition and Selection Best Practices
Use this Board Composition and Selection Best Practices checklist to assess how your board elects board members, what your selection procedures you use, and whether the makeup of the board complies with the requirements of the federal CSBG Act.
Bylaws Toolkit
CAPLAW’s Bylaws Toolkit is just what you need to make your organization’s bylaws clear, effective, and up-to-date. The toolkit outlines key concepts for your agency’s bylaws, such as the authority of the Board of Directors, petitions for board representation, replacement of directors due to...
Requiring Exempt Employees to Record Time Worked
May CAAs require exempt employees to record their hours worked or will doing so undermine the salary-basis test for their exemption from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?
Sample Attorney Engagement Letter
This Sample Attorney Consultant Engagement Letter is an example of the type of agreement a CAA could enter into with outside counsel to obtain assistance on particular legal matters.
Sample Board Applicant Questionnaire (CAA + Head Start)
CAPLAW's Sample Board Applicant Questionnaire for CAAs with Head Start Programs helps CAAs track the Head Start required qualifications for the governing body, as well as determine a board applicant's relevant experiences for board service.
Head Start Board Composition and Responsibilities Checklist
Use this Head Start Board Checklist to assess your board composition and board responsibilities to ensure compliance with the Head Start Act.
Immigration Check-Up: Is Your CAA I-9 Compliant?
In light of recent immigration raids of worksites across the country and a significant increase in investigations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), CAAs should take a closer look at their Form I-9 compliance to ensure that they understand their obligations as employers and use the most...
Mission Possible: Understanding & Developing an Effective Mission Statement
No one-size-fits-all description of a Community Action Agency (CAA) exists. CAAs serve diverse populations, operate in a range of areas, and fulfill a variety of needs. There is no doubt that reducing poverty and enabling self-sufficiency are principal goals, but every CAA has a different...