What can you do to become a Friend of CMCA?

Register Yourself as a “Friend of CMCA”

Once we have your name and affiliation we will only do with that information as you allow. We would like to use your name on a growing list of “Friends” that we will present periodically to Missouri’s legislative delegation in Washington DC, but only if you check that as acceptable. At the very least we would like to alert you when important votes are scheduled so that you can call or email your legislator about the importance of CMCA programs. We have sample letters and draft calling scripts if you need support. Click here to register.

Write a Letter of Support

We would like to stockpile notes and letters from you and/or your company/organization to rotate on this website and share with legislators.

Write a Letter to the Editor of Your Local Paper

Your public support means everything to CMCA’s success. One would expect that we would be interested in defending funding for our agency but your unbiased perspective on our value to your community is . . . well . . . invaluable. Changing mindsets about the value of government investments in the kinds of initiatives in which CMCA participates takes LOTS of public awareness. If you choose this option, please send us a copy so we can keep an eye out for it and link to the published editorial.

Call or Email your Legislator Directly

Honestly, your voice is the most important perspective our legislators can hear. You are a voter and you care about your community. Tell them about it. View your legislator's contact information.

Become a “Friend” on CMCA’s Facebook page

It may be a guilty pleasure but Facebook is a powerful communication tool (seriously) for getting out information. Our fan base has been growing and we’d like for you to be a part of it. Keep up with our latest activities and join the conversation!

Become a National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) member

For just $5 you can join our national network and support the advocacy that NCAF does on our behalf.

Donate to Central Missouri Community Action

Regardless of how successful our advocacy efforts are this year we are realistic about funding in the future. Our country needs to be fiscally responsible and though CMCA funding is justifiable, we want to be part of the solution and expect to tighten our belts along with our non-profit partners and colleagues. While we expect to see decreases in federal funding for our programs, the demand is greater than ever. Your contribution will help us continue to invest in the people and communities of mid-Missouri. If you would like to speak to a CMCA representative about your donation, please contact Darin Preis, Executive Director at 573-443-8706 x1076 or Darin@showmeaction.org.

Ask your neighbor/friend/relative/acquaintance to be a Friend of CMCA

Numbers matter. The more people that look at this website and engage in one of the recommended activities, the more likely we are to be successful in our efforts to maintain federal investments in our activities. Please help us spread the word about CMCA and invite your friends to register to receive important information. It takes your help to make a difference.

Use CMCA as a resource for your organization

Looking for a speaking for your civic organization, church, neighborhood association, book club, etc? CMCA’s leadership can talk about a variety of issues from early childhood, to economic development, employment challenges, the realities of poverty, an overview of CMCA and/or our budget challenge. We would love to engage your friends and ask them to be our friends.

Additional Thoughts to Consider

This is going to sound crazy but our national network has market-tested various words to see which ones resonate and which don’t. Ironically, nobody wants to hear about “poverty.” Too many personal values are attached to that word. Instead, consider using “economically unstable” to describe CMCA “participants” (not “clients” or “customers”). Too many people think about generational poverty when you say “poverty” but “economic instability” could refer to anybody in the middle-class, including you and me. THAT is the reality of our economic crises. Additionally, we need to be aware of shared values with our legislators and fellow Americans. Everyone agrees that the following are important characteristics of Americans and investments in Americans: Opportunity, Fairness, Growth, Benefits for the Whole Community, Responsibility, Hard-Work, Sacrifice, and Personal Contributions. Central Missouri Community Action believes in these words too and we hope you will use them in the context of your conversations, letters, emails, and advocacy on our behalf.