Rallying the Armies of Compassion   

Throughout the nation, educational programs offered by churches, synagogues and mosques, as well as grassroots organizations, are making significant contributions to children's learning. Federal and state agencies can do more to support and partner with faith-based and community initiatives, argues Rallying the Armies of Compassion, published by the White House with a foreword from President Bush. Below is a brief excerpt:

"The federal government must continue to play a prominent role in addressing poverty and social distress. But that role must move beyond funding traditional nongovernmental organizations. Americans deserve a rich mix of options because when it comes to conquering addiction, poverty, recidivism, and other social ills, one size does not fit all?.

"In Boston, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Indianapolis and many other places, people of faith and other unsung local heroes have started innovative partnerships with the police and juvenile authorities to divert and rescue young men and women from gangs, violence, and dead-end streets. Hundreds of community development corporations, often connected with one or more houses of worship, work to stimulate economic activity, rebuild run-down housing, renew neighborhood pride, and revive municipal services?.

"Faith-based and grassroots organizations do not always perform miracles. Some do well and others are less effective. Together, however, they are vitally important resources in our communities, reaching out to needy neighbors and neighborhoods in thousands of ways. And when they do so, they often help in ways that government programs cannot, providing love as well as services, guidance and friendship as well as a meal or training. These are precious resources, great gifts of American society."

A complete copy of the text is available at www.whitehouse.gov/news/reports/faithbased.html.

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Last updated—November 26, 2001 (eal)