Boing Boing reader Liquidmatrix says,
Here’s is a US Presidential Order (13397) to “expand opportunities for faith-based and other community organizations and to strengthen their capacity to better meet America’s social and community needs”. First and foremost DHS is tasked with creating a “Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives”. This center is supposed to be in effect no less than 45 days from the issuance of the prez order. So look for the new org on April 20th or somewhere thereabout…is it ok for me to cry now?
Snip from the text of the order:
Sec. 3. Responsibilities of the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In carrying out the purpose set forth in section 2 of this order, the Center shall:
(a) conduct, in coordination with the WHOFBCI Director, a department-wide audit to identify all existing barriers to the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in the delivery of social and community services by the Department, including but not limited to regulations, rules, orders, procurement, and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities that unlawfully discriminate against, or otherwise discourage or disadvantage the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal programs;
(b) coordinate a comprehensive departmental effort to incorporate faith-based and other community organizations in Department programs and initiatives to the greatest extent possible;
(c) propose initiatives to remove barriers identified pursuant to section 3(a) of this order, including but not limited to reform of regulations, procurement, and other internal policies and practices, and outreach activities;
(d) propose the development of innovative pilot and demonstration programs to increase the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in Federal as well as State and local initiatives; and
(e) develop and coordinate Departmental outreach efforts to disseminate information more effectively to faith-based and other community organizations with respect to programming changes, contracting opportunities, and other agency initiatives, including but not limited to Web and Internet resources.
Link to text on Cryptome.org: Executive Order 13397–Responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security With Respect to Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
Reader comment: Poolio says,
I just wanted to point out to you that Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) of Bush's Executive Order states:
This order shall be implemented subject to the availability of appropriations and to the extent permitted by law.
In light of the fact that Congress has not appropriated any funds for this, and that its constituionality seems questionable at best, the establishment of the "Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives" on or about April 20 appears rather unlikely.
