The Advoc8te has served for two years on the United Planning Organizations'  Executive Board as the elected Ward 8B representative.  I am soon entering my second term for another two years.  Needless to say I am a bit partial to the United Planning Organization.  My experience on the UPO board has been a great one.  The organization does a lot of good helping District residents, especially those East of the River.  The full Executive Board meets every other month and committees  meet monthly on average.  The United Planning Organization could definitely use some caring, smart, and committed people with unique skills and perspectives to join the Board.  All you need is a good heart and a good head on your soldiers.  Think about joining or volunteering with the United Planning Organization today. To learn more about the United Planning Organization visit http://www.upo.org/.

United Planning Organization (UPO), the Community Action Agency for the District of Columbia, is governed by a tripartite Board of Directors that includes 1/3 “representatives of low-income residents.” Representatives are secured through a democratic process, allowing community residents to elect individuals from Election Service Areas (ESAs) designated in accordance with the number of persons in poverty. As in the past, assistance has been solicited from Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in targeted areas to inform the public, regarding upcoming elections and to encourage qualified individuals to apply to become members of the UPO Board of Directors.



This year representatives of low-income residents are needed in the following three Election Service Areas (ESAs): one representative for Wards 1 & 3; one representative for Wards 2 & 6; and one representative for Ward 8A. The election is scheduled to take place on December 7, 2010. Applicants are required to submit a “Notice of Intent to Apply” by no-later-than September 22, 2010 and a completed “Application for Nomination” by no-later-than Friday, October 15, 2010.


Attached for your information, are copies of the application kits, including instructions that have been mailed to our community based partners. In the near future, information will also be posted on our website. Public Service Announcements and print advertisements are also being prepared. Please feel free to contact Mrs. Vanessa C. Rawls at 202-238-4683 or vrawls@upo.org for any additional information. We look forward to your participation as we work to serve low-income residents of the District of Columbia. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.