Mother and daughter at the May 1, 2006 Immigrant Rights March

CPC has a vision: Everyday people transforming Western North Carolina, creating just and inclusive communities. They believe they can make change, know how to make change, and take up the challenge to do it.

Creating just, authentic, and lasting change requires the work of a powerful and healthy grassroots sector made up of many community organizations that work on a wide range of issues and opportunities.

CPC helps people recognize their own power, work together, and transform their communities.

CPC’s Programs

CPC helps rural people improve their communities through projects that they plan, implement, and evaluate themselves.

Community Organizing

Bringing together people with similar concerns, facilitating a process to help the group find solutions, and developing action plans for making their ideas happen.

Capacity Building

Helping people identify existing skills, gather new knowledge, and build confidence by taking steps to implement their project, strengthen their group, or build an organization.

Building Networks

Connecting community groups with local resources, and bringing together community groups to learn from and support each other.

Self Development Fund

Our microgrants program helps groups strengthen their capacity around grantwriting and grassroots fundraising.

VISTA Program

Sponsoring Americorps VISTA volunteers who build the capacity of grassroots organizations.

Supporting grassroots efforts

We work hand in hand with groups of people who are outside established power structures, as they form community groups that work to promote racial, economic, and social justice.

Every year CPC works with 35 to 40 grassroots community groups, networks, coalitions, and worker-owned businesses in the far western counties of North Carolina. Our grassroots partners include African-American, Appalachian, Cherokee, Latin@, and multi-racial organizations.

Upholding racial justice and human dignity

We believe that everyone has something to contribute and deserves a place at the table. We believe that just, authentic, and lasting change comes through true grassroots participation. We are committed to working with those who struggle to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.