Pros
The majority of the staff here are welcoming, generous and kind. Some of the nicest people I have ever met work there. The organization wants to do good things for the community. Pay is generally competitive. There is a healthy focus on work/life balance.
Cons
Unfortunately, although there are many good people at Community Action, there is also a culture of bullying, ignoring equity and distrust (some departments have this more than others). The management culture at Community Action focuses more on authority over people and an organization chart, than developing a culture of trust, listening and respect. This creates a serious divide between leadership and field staff. By focusing so much on promoting from within, they continue to bring up individuals who are not qualified, knowledgeable or skilled. It is almost impossible for a new person to get into the circle of trust, especially if they have skills and education that the current staff do not have. In general, there is a feeling that unless you are willing to play dirty, your job is never safe. The HR department works for management only and picks favorites. Some leadership staff have been allowed to gossip, target co-workers for harassment, and foster poor community relationships, while other individuals have been dismissed or not given the same kind of opportunities. Watching others be bullied and dismissed without cause has created a culture of fear.