Michigan Community Action is a member service network dedicated to reducing poverty in Michigan by supporting Community Action Agencies in their quest to change the lives of low-income Michiganders. We invite you to learn more about Community Action, the causes we’re fighting for, and the progress we're making. MCA is Offering a Free Webinar Presented by CAPLAW
December 17 at 1:00 PM EST
Governance: All a-Board! Considerations for Board Recruitment, Engagement, and Alignment
Active and engaged board members who possess diverse, yet complementary skill-sets and expertise help position an organization to succeed and amplify its impact in the community and beyond. It is imperative when recruiting board members, to consider the areas of knowledge that would be beneficial to the organization, and keeping in mind applicable legal requirements, to seek board members who offer added value in those areas. Within the context of the federal CSBG tripartite board requirements, we will present strategies for thinking about board composition and recruitment that can assist organizations as they develop their boards. We will discuss ways to engage board members so that their skills and knowledge are put to the best possible use on behalf of the organization.
To sign up for this free webinar go here.
Michigan Energy Options is Seeking an Energy Specialist
Please see the PDF for the full job description
Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) Work Requirements
These requirements are starting January 1, 2020. Please click each image to enlarge.
 
Preparations for Flooding
Michigan has had record levels of rain this spring. With more rain on the way, here are some tips to prepare your home and your family.
Preparations for Flooding
Michigan has had record levels of rain this spring. With more rain on the way, here are some tips to prepare your home and your family.
Get a weather radio or sign up for weather alerts via text One of the first things you can do is buy a weather radio or sign up for text messages that can broadcast weather bulletins from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Research Your flood risk
Learn in advance whether your area is susceptible to flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains online flood maps to show the locations and risk levels in specific geographic areas. You can also contact your county planning division to get an assessment of your flood risk.
Prepare emergency supply kits for your home, work, and car
Ready.gov is an excellent governmental resource for information on how to prepare for inclement weather and other disasters. Here’s a great checklist of what to pack in your emergency kits, which should be standardized for your home, workplace, and car so they can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency.
Establish your evacuation route
Knowing your way in and out of your immediate geographic vicinity and how to navigate your community when it’s flooded could save your life. You will need to keep to higher ground if you do evacuate. All family members should know where they are supposed to meet, and that information should be written down. Go over these plans with your family to ensure that everyone knows what they should do.
Have a plan for communicating with family members
During an emergency, sending texts or instant messages can be faster than a phone call. All family members also need to have a family contact that is out of the immediate geographic area, in the event information needs to be passed through a third party. If you have been evacuated, do not return until authorities broadcast that it is safe. You’ll also want to let friends and family know that you are safe. Checking in on social media or using the Safe And Well website sponsored by the American Red Cross can be a quick and useful way to broadcast that you are out of harm’s way.
Raise up appliances, other items to protect them from damage
Flooding can cause substantial damage not only to your home but also to your property, including sensitive appliances. Raising up major appliances and electrical outlets can help keep them from being flooded. You can always get inspiration from these flood-proof homes.
Save your important documents
Copy, save, or upload to the cloud important papers and documents including insurance policies, photographs of your stuff and your home, and any other important records like leases or birth certificates.
Protect your drains from increasing the damage
A house’s water and sewage systems are particularly prone to flood damage, making a big mess even harder to clean up. Installing a sump pump, which dispels water from basements and other low-lying areas, can help with this risk. You can also use backflow valves in toilets, drains, and sinks to prevent floodwaters from backing up. 
Michigan Community Action Opposes Directive No. 14 to Change the Way Official Poverty Measure is Calculated
The calculation of the Official Poverty Measure (OPM) sets guidelines for people to qualify for help with life-saving programs like food assistance, housing, health care and transportation services. The Trump Administration has proposed a change to the calculation of the OPM that would exclude more Michigan families from benefits they need to live modestly and safely in our communities. Please see our statement on Directive No. 14.
For more news click here to go to our Announcements page
Current Job Opportunities in Community Action
DICSA is Seeking a Finance Director
Job Opening: Finance Director (Full Time, Exempt Position)
Start Date: January 1, 2020
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related and at least 3 years of experience
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance; paid sick and vacation; matching 457b
contribution
DICSA is a non-profit Community Action Agency serving primarily Dickinson and Iron Counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Finance Director is a key position and is responsible for the financial management of the agency including budgets, audits, monitoring, reporting, and compliance. See the Employment Tab for a full job description at www.dicsami.org. DICSA is an equal opportunity employer.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume/qualifications via email or hard copy to:
Dana Waara, HR Director
1238 Carpenter Ave.
Iron Mountain, MI 49801
MCA is a proud member of America’s Poverty Fighting Network, the Community Action Partnership
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