We, as Community Action professionals, dedicate ourselves to eliminating poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation by opening to everyone the opportunity for education and training; the opportunity to work; and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity; and with respect for cultural diversity, commit ourselves to

• Recognize that the chief function of the community action movement at all times is to serve the best interests of the poor thereby serving the best interests of all people.
• Accept as a personal duty the responsibility to keep up to date on emerging issues and to conduct ourselves with professional competence, fairness, impartiality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Respect the structure and responsibilities to the board of directors, provide them with facts and advice as a basis for their making decisions, and uphold and implement policies adopted by the board of directors.
• Keep the community informed about issues affecting the poor; facilitate communication between the poor, locally elected public officials, and the non-poor private sector.
• Conduct our organizational and operational duties with positive leadership exemplified by open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion.
• Exercise whatever discretionary authority we have under the law to promote the interests of the poor.
• Lead the community action movement with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness, recognizing that service to the poor is beyond service to oneself.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all our community action activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in the Community Action movement.
• Serve in such a way that we do not realize undue personal gain from the performance of our professional duties.
• Avoid any interest or activity, which is in conflict with the conduct of official duties.
• Respect and protect privileged information to which we have access in the course of official duties.
• Strive for professional excellence and encourage the professional development of our associates, including those seeking to become certified community action professionals.