At first glance, a state CSBG office and state association might seem like an odd couple. State CSBG offices administer CSBG funding and oversee and monitor CAAs in the state. State associations support and advocate for those CAAs, and their boards of directors are typically executive directors from the same CAAs that the state CSBG office monitors. But just as opposites attract, state CSBG offices and state associations share common commitments and goals, and engage in overlapping roles that can form the foundations of positive, productive relationships.

In this inaugural episode of CAPLAWCast, Bridging Across Barriers: The Wonder State, Beverly Buchanan of the Arkansas State CSBG Office, and Terry Bearden of the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association (ACAAA), discuss key aspects of the state office, state association relationship, including how it has overcome challenges and evolved, and how elements such as respect, communication, and trust have bolstered collaborative efforts and assisted CAAs across the Wonder State.