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E-Newsletter for May 6, 2008In this issue:
An update from the Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy, an independent research project of the Rockefeller Institute of Government. The public policy research arm of the State University of New York.
New! Growing Food Crises and Demands for Aid Push Farm Bill Forward Skyrocketing oil and food prices, increased demands for humanitarian food relief, a devastating cyclone and food shortage protests in dozens of countries have added a sense of urgency in recent weeks for Congress to complete work on the Farm Bill. The bill finances domestic and international feeding programs, subsidies to farmers, conservation programs and bio-energy initiatives. America’s food banks and soup kitchens, most of which are operated by religious organizations, are facing a combination of challenges that have become more severe at the same time Congress works to renew the Farm Bill. Pantries report seeing a reduction in donations of federally purchased commodities, an increase in the number of people asking for food because of the declining economy and rapidly rising food prices. Internationally, the United Nations World Food Programme announced recently that it needed $755 million to maintain its feeding services at existing levels. The Farm Bill currently under consideration includes more money for humanitarian feeding programs, a new domestic disaster aid program, and cuts in tax credits for some bio-fuel producers. Click here to read more by Roundtable Washington Correspondent Anne Farris. New! An Interview with Robert Zachritz of World Vision on the Global Food Crisis Robert Zachritz is director of advocacy and government relations for World Vision in the U.S. He is responsible for creating the strategy on how the global Christian relief organization, with an annual budget topping $2 billion, engages with the U.S. government on public policies that affect the world’s poor. His primary areas of specialty include the annual meetings of the G8 countries and the congressional appropriations process; international development assistance and trade; agricultural development and food aid; and global health issues. Prior to joining World Vision in 2003, Zachritz worked for nearly 15 years for both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. Most recently, he served as Rules Committee associate and foreign policy advisor for former Representative Tony P. Hall (D-Ohio) who went on to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. food organizations in Rome. Click here to read the interview. Weekly Digest of Federal Grants with Faith-Based and Community Organization Eligibility The grant opportunities this week for community and faith-based organizations are through programs administered by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, and Labor, and by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Potential applicants should be aware that some grant programs require specific technical expertise, or experience in particular foreign countries. Click here for the grants digest.
Roundtable Digest of Current Faith-Based News Stories
Money raised to help pupils switch schools http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8234
$12 mil shelter to aid homeless moms, kids http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8236
Extended days eyed to reduce dropouts http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8237
Faith-based child-care agency comes to city http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8238
Faith-based groups helping FLDS youths http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8205
Police qualms about church participation short-lived http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8206
ASKING THE CLERGY: How can houses of worship step in when social services fall short? http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8207
Faith-based group pushes Marin social reform http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8211
Mercer churches join forces to fight drugs http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8212
Immokalee children get free laptops for education http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8213
Feds seek grant answers http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8219
Faith-based groups get $700,000 grant http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8220
Nonprofit agency sees more people in need http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8214
Lakewood clinic to supply free medicine http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8215
More than 500 march in St. Paul for immigrant rights http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8208
Family Research Council Urging Pastors to 'Cross the Line' in Political Endorsements http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8209
New Orleans religious groups struggle amid downturn http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8218
Global Food Crisis http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8235
Experts say high food prices permanent; bishops urge help for poor http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8210
House of Hope pursues site near Dover http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8216
Word gets out, help pours in for program for local troubled youth http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8217
Bill barring gay bias gets initial OK in House http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8221
Mental health troubles persist; Many residents aren't getting help, poll says http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8223
Buckner home to help ex-inmates' transition http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8227
Group Guides Police To Crime http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8228
Faith-Based Retreat Program Offered To Area Prison Inmates http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8229
City renews assistance from Front Porch Alliance http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8230
Florida a step ahead in funds to faith schools http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8231
Anti-violence meeting draws larger crowd http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8224
County cuts could take Richmond shelter beds http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8225
Former addict achieves a New High http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8226
Weekly Opinion Roundup - 5/6/2008 http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/news_opinion_5_6_08.cfm The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy promotes informed debate on the issue of publicly funded faith-based social service. Supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Roundtable provides independent, non-partisan research on the scope and scale of faith-based social services, their effectiveness, how public resources are being used in providing such services, and the legal and regulatory issues involved. The Roundtable's comprehensive web site makes this research and related information easily available. It can be accessed by clicking here: The Roundtable 411 State Street Albany, New York 12203 518-443-5014 |
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