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Montgomery County Community Action Board Celebrates Largest Graduating Class of Community Advocacy Institute
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The Montgomery County Community Action Board, the County’s federally designated anti-poverty advisory group, celebrated the graduation of 27 residents from its Community Advocacy Institute (CAI) on Tuesday, May 20. This year’s class marks the largest cohort in the program’s nine-year history.
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The CAI is a free, eight-month, bilingual advocacy training program for Montgomery County residents with low to moderate incomes. Participants engage in workshops focused on storytelling, working with elected officials, public speaking and key policy issues impacting the community. The program is facilitated by the Community Action Board and supported by volunteers, including past CAI graduates and board members.
“I want to congratulate this year’s Community Advocacy Institute graduates for taking the time and energy to learn how local government works and how to make their voices heard,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “This program gives people the tools to speak up, advocate for their neighbors and push for the changes that matter most to their communities. I’m especially proud that this is the largest graduating class. I want to thank the Community Action Board, our volunteers and past graduates for building something that helps create a more informed, engaged and equitable Montgomery County.”
County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz also congratulated the graduates, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and public advocacy. Joanna Bernhardt from Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles’s office also shared remarks, encouraging graduates to reach out to and work with elected officials. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Dr. James Bridgers thanked the Community Action Board for ensuring that the CAI remains accessible in both English and Spanish.
Each graduate submitted a personal reflection, which was included in the graduation program. Graduate Alisha Small shared, “Participating in the CAI has been a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of policy, community engagement and using my voice for change.”
Since its launch in 2016, 167 community members have completed the program. Many alumni now serve on County boards, commissions and in nonprofit leadership roles, and continue to advocate on key issues throughout Montgomery County.
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The Community Action Board, which provides governance for the DHHS Community Action Agency and the County’s Head Start program, facilitates the CAI. Graduates of the program and former board members also volunteer their time to support the CAI.
The CAI program runs from October through May. Recruitment for the 2025-2026 program will begin in July. For more information about the CAI and the Community Action Board, visit the County’s DHHS Community Action website .
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Release ID: 25-219
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Consumer , Education , Hispanic , Volunteer
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=47102
