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Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Overview:
The Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives has lead responsibility to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the state's comprehensive effort to enlist, equip, enable, empower and expand the work of faith-based and community organizations to the extent permitted by law.
The Commissioner shall designate a member of the Department of Commerce staff to serve as the director of the Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives. The Department of Commerce shall provide other staff services to assist the director.
Functions:
- Develop, lead, and coordinate the state's policy agenda affecting faith-based and community programs and initiatives; expand the role of those efforts in communities; and increase their capacity through executive action, legislation, federal and private funding, and regulatory relief;
- Coordinate public education activities designed to mobilize public support for faith-based and community initiatives through volunteerism, special projects, demonstration pilots, and public and private partnerships;
- Encourage private charitable giving to support faith-based and community initiatives;
- Bring concerns, ideas, and policy options to the governor and legislative assembly for assisting;
- Provide policy and legal education to state, local, and community policymakers and public officials seeking ways to empower faith-based and community organizations and to improve the opportunities, capacity, and expertise of those groups;
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives to strengthen the institutions of civil society and the state's families and communities;
- Encourage innovative grassroots, nonprofit organizations, and civic initiatives; and
- Ensure that the efforts of faith-based and community organizations meet high standards of excellence and accountability.
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2008 Meeting Dates
January 9, 2008
April 16, 2008
June 11, 2008
August 18 - 19, 2008 (Medora Retreat)
November 19, 2008
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