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For Immediate Release
OFFICE OF FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
February 7, 2008
White House Compassion in Action Roundtable Highlights Transformational Efforts of International Social Enterprise
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives (OFBCI) today convened a Compassion in Action policy
roundtable, highlighting innovative ways American social enterprise abroad
is redefining the concept of philanthropy. Hosted by OFBCI Director Jay
Hein, the event assembled key government, business, religious and
non-government organization leaders to explore innovative development
efforts, particularly in Africa, through collaborations with indigenous
faith-based and secular organizations, as well as public-private
partnerships with foreign governments to help build national
infrastructure.
Among the social entrepreneurs featured at today's event were Chris Crane,
Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity International; author and pastor
Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in California; and Ward Brehm, Chairman of
the U.S. African Development Foundation, who also offered the keynote
address at the National Prayer Breakfast attended by President Bush this
morning. These individuals are engaging in effective partnerships abroad
and answering the President's call to serve causes greater than self.
"America's social entrepreneurs are redefining the way our nation addresses
human need," Jay Hein said. "By uniting the best of private enterprise,
community- and faith-based nonprofits, and government resources, these
innovators exemplify the President's vision for compassionate results."
Today's event serves as a precursor for President Bush and Mrs. Bush's trip
to Africa this month. They will visit Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and
Liberia. This trip will be an opportunity for the President to review
firsthand the significant progress since his last visit in 2003 in efforts
to increase economic development and fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other
treatable diseases, as a result of the United States robust programs in
these areas.
The discussion explored effective models reflecting the President's vision
for local solutions to human need, combining the unique strengths of
government, faith-based and community organizations, and private
enterprise. As international aid and development transitions from the
direct delivery of government services to innovative public-private
partnerships, indigenous faith-based and community organizations serve as
vital players in this new landscape.
For example, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
provides funds to the Partnerships to Enhance Agriculture in Rwanda through
Linkages (PEARL) project to help build grassroots networks with indigenous
Rwandan organizations and improve the country's developing economy.
Additionally, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is
impacting change through local partnerships, over 80% of which are with
faith-based and community organizations.
President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative (FBCI) is built from
the conviction that the most effective way to address our communities'
great needs is to draw upon the unique strengths of every willing community
and faith-based partner. He launched the FBCI upon taking office in January
2001, to strengthen America's nonprofit sector and extend its work in
partnership with government.
Seven years ago today, in the Oval Office, the President detailed specific
plans for the Initiative and called for a level playing field for
faith-based and community groups to compete for Federal funds. As such,
the Initiative has launched a range of policy reforms and programs that
make community-based and faith-based organizations a central part of
solving problems, from aiding prisoner reentry efforts and fighting
homelessness to addressing AIDS in Africa.
Since April 2006, the OFBCI has convened monthly Compassion in Action
policy roundtables to discuss issues of interest faith- and community-based
organizations and highlight honor the successes of dedicated Americans
helping their neighbors in need.
For more information on the OFBCI and the President's compassion agenda,
visit: /government/fbci/.
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