THE THREE BOARD SECTORS
Why Each Voice Matters
The tripartite structure is designed so that no single
perspective controls the organization. Each sector brings
a different kind of knowledge that WYO HELP needs in order
to understand community conditions, make responsible
decisions and remain accountable to the people it serves.
1
Low-Income Representatives
People who have experienced poverty often understand
barriers that are difficult to see from outside the
system. They know what it is like to apply for help,
gather required documents, work around transportation
problems, manage limited income and navigate programs
during a crisis.
Their role is especially important because a program
can look effective on paper while still being difficult
or unrealistic for the people expected to use it.
Low-income representatives help WYO HELP ask practical
questions: Are services accessible? Are requirements
reasonable? Are people being treated with dignity?
Are there needs in the community that organizations
are overlooking?
2
Elected Officials & Public-Sector Representatives
Poverty is affected by decisions made far beyond a
nonprofit organization. Housing, transportation,
economic development, public health, law enforcement,
infrastructure and access to services are all shaped
in part by local and state government.
Elected officials bring an understanding of public
systems, community planning, government resources
and the policy decisions affecting the counties
WYO HELP serves.
Their presence also creates an important connection
between Community Action and public leadership.
Board discussions can help officials better understand
what families are experiencing, while officials can
help WYO HELP understand larger community issues,
government priorities and opportunities for collaboration.
3
Community & Private-Sector Representatives
Communities are more than government programs and
service agencies. Businesses, churches, schools,
nonprofits, financial institutions, healthcare
providers and other community organizations often
see needs and opportunities from a very different
perspective.
Business leaders can bring experience with employment,
workforce needs, budgeting, management and the local
economy. Faith and nonprofit leaders may have close
relationships with families and understand needs that
never appear in formal service systems.
Other community representatives may contribute legal,
financial, educational, healthcare, public safety or
organizational expertise. Just as importantly, they
help WYO HELP build relationships beyond its own
programs and identify partners who may already have
part of the solution.
