Postage Stamp - 100th Anniversary of UNCCAS

The Municipal Social Action Centers (CCAS) embody local public service. Throughout France—both on the mainland and in the overseas territories—they welcome residents, provide information, ensure access to fundamental rights, and support and assist them with a focus on prevention and local social development. Established during the French Revolution and initially known as “assistance offices” and later as “social welfare offices,” the CCAS were strengthened by the first decentralization laws, which established them as unique entities: a distinctive governance structure, a coordinating role, the ability to assess social needs, and a strong capacity for innovation. Over time, the CCAS have adapted and become more professional in order to implement municipal social policies that have been significantly impacted by the economic, demographic, digital, and ecological transitions that have transformed France’s social landscape. And within this context, the support needs of our most vulnerable fellow citizens. Driven by their public service mission, the CCAS decided in 1926 to turn their regional diversity into a political strength. That was 100 years ago. Since then, the network of municipal and intermunicipal social action centers has been structured, strengthened, and has supported one another. Its voice is carried by a national union (UNCCAS) which, to play its full part in the public debate, relies on the mobilization of local elected officials and their CCAS teams to promote greater solidarity within their communities. The day-to-day work carried out by the CCASs, in collaboration with their partners, thus reflects the challenges surrounding social cohesion in our country: it is both essential and demanding. As a hallmark of modernity and social progress, it is poised to expand even further to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Timbre-poste (héliogravure) : Création et mise en page Jean Leblanc