Religion in the Public Square: Challenges, Opportunities, and Best Practices
Thursday, September 28, 2006
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Todd Hall 116

This event is archived as a videostream.

As a public policy issue, providing optimal and efficacious public services to families, youth, and children is a major goal of federal, state, and local social services. President Bush’s recent Faith-Based Initiative has allowed the expansion of faith-based organizations into these types of services, but not without some controversy. Unfortunately, there have been relatively few studies that examine this expansion, the role of faith in human service programs, and the efficacy of programs offered by faith-based organizations. This forum is a stepping stone to create dialogue between faith-based organizations, the University, and funding agencies about future collaborations that can inform policy-makers and improve social services within the state of Washington.

Guest speakers will include:

• Mark Ragan
  Senior Fellow, Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government
• Cathy Sisneros
  Director of Grants and Foundation Relations, Young Life
• Rob McCann
  Executive Director, Catholic Charities, Spokane
• Tom Pennella
  Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Deputy Director of the Washington State Mentoring Partnership (WSMP), Olympia
• Kathleen Rodgers
  Associate Professor of Human Development, Washington State University

The forum will begin with Mark Ragan, the keynote speaker. Ragan will provide a national perspective on the interface of faith-based programs, secular programs, and state policies that hinder or facilitate faith-based organizations in providing social services.

Following Ragan's talk, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Ed Weber, director of the Foley Institute. Each panelist will give a brief (10-minute) presentation. Sisneros and McCann will share information about their personal experiences as faith-based organization representatives. Pennella will share how DSHS is working with faith-based organizations to provide mentoring with youth, and what the benefits and/or challenges are in doing this. Rodgers will discuss research challenges and rewards in partnering with faith-based organizations. Afterward, there will be time for Q&A.