DESIGNATING THE GOVERNOR'S SPECIAL ADVISOR ON
FAITH AND COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVES AND
CREATING THE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON
FAITH AND COMMUNITY SERVICE INITITATIVES

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable statutes, do hereby issue this executive order:

WHEREAS, Minnesota state agencies administer numerous programs that provide services or resources to assist Minnesotans in need; and

WHEREAS, the State also benefits from a wealth of faith and community service organizations that provide services to Minnesota families, children and communities including programs providing care for the elderly, addressing homelessness, providing educational and recreational opportunities for children and persons with disabilities, providing vocational opportunities for persons in need, and other services aimed at curbing crime, improving education and overcoming joblessness and poverty; and

WHEREAS, committed volunteers in faith and community service organizations bring unique skills, services and resources to bear in assisting Minnesotans; and

WHEREAS, services between faith and community organizations and government agencies could be more effectively coordinated; and  

WHEREAS, it is beneficial to encourage communication between governmental entities and faith and community organizations, recognizing the sharing of information about and encouraging the efficient and effective use of resources; and

WHEREAS, encouraging strong development of programs and services within faith and community service organizations fosters coordination, innovation and diversity among the service and program options available to Minnesotans which results in better outcomes for Minnesotans in need of assistance and services; and 

WHEREAS, it is in the State of Minnesota's best interest to ensure that faith and community service organizations are strong, coordinated, and effective in accessing information about private and public funding options, developing programs and providing services to Minnesotans; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order the creation, within the Governor's Office, of a Special Advisor on Faith and Community Services and the establishment of the Governor's Council on Faith and Community Services.

1.  The Governor's Special Advisor on Faith and Community Services ("Special Advisor") responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
 
a. Provide opportunities or forums for communication between faith and community organizations and with governmental service providers to provide information about program and service opportunities, improve understanding of the state's service objectives, the identification of opportunities to coordinate programs or services to assist the state in meeting its objectives and providing opportunities for developing strategies for the most efficient and effective use of resources; and

b. Build and expand service opportunities through technical assistance, education and information to faith and community organizations, including creation of a resource guide, program directory, educational and networking opportunities; and

c. Develop informational resources that identify service opportunities for faith and community service organizations to coordinate services with state and local programs.

d. Serve as the Governor's liaison to the Governor's Council on Faith and Community Services.

2.  The Governor's Council on Faith and Community Services is created to provide advice and recommendations to the Governor on matters relating to the development, promotion and support of effective and efficient faith and community organizations which provide services to Minnesotans in need; and

3. The Council will be comprised of 15 members appointed by the Governor.  Appointees may include, but are not be limited to, representatives from faith and community organizations, foundations, corporations and public entities.  The Governor will designate a chair from the members and will fill any vacancies on the Council.

4.   Council members will serve a two year term.  Council members will serve on a voluntary basis and are not eligible for payment of expenses.

5.  The Council's responsibilities include providing advice to the Governor on matters relating to faith and community services including, but not limited to:

a.  Priorities in relation to educational and training opportunities to assist faith and community organizations to understand the processes and requirements related to accessing public and private funding opportunities; and

b. Opportunities for coordination among faith and community service organizations and state and local service programs; and

c. How faith and community organizations can fairly compete with other organizations for access to federal and state funding opportunities and recommendations for overcoming barriers to fair competition; and

d. Ways to encourage greater corporate and philanthropic support for faith and community service organizations through public education and outreach opportunities; and

e. Identify and promote best practices relating to the delivery of services by faith and community organizations.  

6.  The Special Advisor and the Council may not engage in any activity that is prohibited by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution or Article 1, Section 16 of the Minnesota Constitution or other applicable state or federal laws. 

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 4.035, subdivision 2, this Executive Order will be effective fifteen (15) days after publication in the State Register and filing with the Secretary of State and will remain in effect in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 4.035, subdivision 3.