
The Chamber has more than 100 nonprofit members who look to the Community Action Committee to connect the Chamber’s business and nonprofit members for the greater good of Arlington. The CAC serves the Chamber and gives back to the community is through coordinating several of the Chamber’s signature events and by hosting nonprofit forums. With the committees’ help, this year the Chamber paired over 260 volunteers with nonprofit sites across Arlington to accomplish various service projects during Volunteer Arlington Day.
To learn more about the Community Action Committee, we present the Chair, Linda Kelleher, Executive Director at Culpepper Garden.
The CAC welcomes all Chamber members and has a particular focus on nurturing the needs and interests of the nonprofit community. We provide an opportunity to exchange knowledge and best practices regarding the business of running an effective nonprofit and facilitate interaction and build partnerships with business and public sector members of the Chamber.
2. How has being involved in the Community Action Committee impacted you?
The committee is a great place to network and exchange information. It is the only place in Arlington County where nonprofits representing a broad spectrum of missions regularly interact. Nonprofit staff who attend meetings represent a variety of staff positions and skill sets. We come together to discuss trends, problems, County programs, and gain expertise in the management of a nonprofit.
3. When does the Community Action Committee meet?
The CAC meets the last Wednesday of the month (except for August and December) from 9:00 am-10:00 in the Chamber Board room.
4. What is your favorite part about serving on the Community Action Committee?
I have many favorites, all of which are the result of strong committee participation and idea generation:
- Short subjects – We begin each meeting with a short-subject presentation on topics of interest lead by both nonprofits and businesses.
- Forums – The forums share case studies and real-world advice on nonprofit topics in a way that encourages business participation.
- Volunteer Arlington Day – Each April business community volunteers work on-site at nonprofits, and many of these one-and-done activities result in a longer-term relationship.
5. Who would be a good candidate to join the Community Action Committee?
All of Arlington’s nonprofits, whether a national organization that's headquartered in Arlington or an Arlington-based local nonprofit, public sector members, and businesses who have an interest in supporting our very robust nonprofit community are welcome.
If you have any questions about the Community Action Committee or would like to join the committee, please contact the staff liaison, Katie Nord at [email protected] or 703-525-2400.