Effective Utilization of Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations

Since 2005, the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (CFBCI) has refined its state-level technical assistance to focus on clear, simple action items that states can use to maximize partnerships with faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) and comply with existing Federal regulations. The action items and practices in the guidance below are inspired by successful, federally-supported projects at the state and local level, and are designed to be easily replicated. CFBCI staff members are also available to provide technical assistance to any state that wishes to strengthen FBCO collaborations and to review policies that optimize partnerships with non-profits (see contact information below). In order to take full advantage of these resources, effective State Plans would ideally respond to the following actions items:

1. Provide a Point of Contact (POC) in your State Plan who will be responsible for ensuring that state staff and organizations that receive and administer DOL financial assistance complete the upcoming Web-based training course on the Federal Equal Treatment and Religion-Related Regulations. Each POC that is submitted with a State Plan will have the opportunity to receive technical assistance and training support from DOL. Ideally, states would complete one round of online staff training by June 30, 2008, in order to take full advantage of the resources being offered by DOL. Access technical assistance and guidance on complying with the Federal Equal Treatment and Religion-Related Regulations.

2. Provide a Point of Contact (POC) in your State Plan who will ensure that your state's policies, guidelines, and regulations are updated to comply with the Federal Equal Treatment Regulations.  Each POC that is submitted with a State Plan will have the opportunity to receive technical assistance and support from DOL.  States that complete this action item by December 31, 2007 are mostly likely to benefit from compliance assistance offered by DOL. Access technical assistance and guidance on complying with the Federal Equal Treatment and Religion-Related Regulations.

3. Identify at least one new, measurable activity or key practice you will implement in the next two years to improve the effectiveness of and access to the One-Stop system through increasing committed partnerships with faith-based and community organizations.  These activities or practices should help your state (1) increase the opportunities for participation of faith-based and community organizations as committed and active partners in the One-Stop delivery system; and (2) expand the access of faith-based and community-based organizations' clients and customers to the services offered by the One-Stops in the State. Access a list of "promising practices" and additional resources.

If you would like to discuss this technical assistance and guidance, you may call Rhett Butler at: 202-693-6458 or Erica Pelman at: 202-693-6451. You are also encouraged to contact your Governor’s liaison for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (in 29 states) to coordinate state-level priorities and projects with your State Plan. To identify your Governor's liaison, visit www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/contact-states.html.