Some of the ways community action agencies (CAA) can best implement the Community Action Program Mission in rural America are suggested in this paper. Generation of new employment and other income-producing opportunities for the poor within the rural community is recommended as an area for primary focus. The strategy for economic development is outlined and the CAA's primary role is specified. Discussion includes the areas of self-help enterprises, business and industrial development, and manpower programs. Organizational suggestions, sources of assistance, and federal programs are also considered. The appendices include a job description for the economic developer, case histories of self-help enterprises, case histories of business and industrial development, and case histories of manpower functions of the CAA. (SW)