Events
U.S. Government Evidence Summit on Protecting Children Outside of Family Care: December 12-13
Children in the most dire straits are those outside of family care such as those living on the streets or in institutions, trafficked, participating in armed groups, or exploited for their labor. Children in such circumstances often experience abuse, neglect, lack of stimulation, and extreme and toxic stress - all of which have a profoundly negative impact on a child's development and adult outcomes. In response, the U.S. Government, with funding provided by the USAID Faith-based and Community Initiatives office, convened an evidence summit to bring clarity on policies, identify evidence gaps in research, and establish programming principles for the U.S. Government. As recognition of this highly important event, Administrator Shah addressed the attendees and expressed "As we help establish a formal U.S. government plan of action, we must better coordinate our efforts […] We should explore stronger partnerships with communities of faith that have increasingly focused on aiding vulnerable children and fighting trafficking." To learn more about this summit and to stay informed on outcomes, you can visit the website at: http://www.hvcassistance.org/summit.cfm
Administrator Shah writes on World AIDS Day in The Huffington Post: December 1, 2011
USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah wrote a powerful opinion piece on the steps the American people can take to begin the end of AIDS. Dr. Shah states, "As the head of a federal agency dedicated to improving human welfare, I have seen firsthand the deeply moral, social and economic costs of HIV/AIDS: children who have been born HIV-positive and find the odds in life already stacked against them; businesses close in regions where HIV is rampant while hospitals fill up; and the despair fueled by a single disease. This reality has always been unacceptable. For the first time, we can confidently say it is also avoidable. With the continued support of a remarkable bipartisan constituency of congressional leaders, faith-based institutions, multilateral alliances and private sector partners, we can build on the momentum of proven results and scientific discoveries."? To read the full article, click here.
16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence - November 25th-December 10th
It is estimated that 1 in 3 women will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime, most often at the hands of an intimate partner. Females aged 15-44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence than from cancer, motor accidents, war and malaria. Gender-Based Violence is a global pandemic that cuts across all borders - ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, and religion. In response, USAID launched our observance of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence (November 25th-December 10th). The hope is to create broader understanding that GBV has a significant economic cost in developed and developing countries alike. Started in 1991 by the Center for Women's Global Leadership, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is a world-wide campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence and to encourage others to help eliminate GBV. To learn more, click here.
All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development - November 18, 2011
Reading skills build the foundation for all future learning. Yet, in sub-Saharan Africa, a child with five years of education has a 40% chance of being illiterate. In Mali, Pakistan, and Peru, more than 70% of children at primary grade levels cannot read at their grade level. A leading international assessment indicates that low-income countries are performing in the bottom 5th percentile in the world in learning outcomes. USAID, World Vision and AusAID partnered to launch a multi-year initiative that seeks to improve early grade reading outcomes in low-resource settings called All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development. This Grand Challenge for Development calls for ground-breaking solutions that offer scalable, cost-effective innovations to address two critical and unmet needs in developing world contexts. To learn more about this Grand Challenge, visit the website at http://www.allchildrenreading.org.
FWD Campaign updates - November 3, 2011
On November 3, 2011 the Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives along with the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships convened a conference call highlighting the FWD campaign around the crisis in the Horn of Africa. Speakers included representatives from the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, State Department, USAID, American Jewish World Service, World Vision and Abed Ayoub, Islamic Relief USA. Thank you to the many of you that participated! Through efforts such as the FWD campaign and others, great strides have been made to reduce the number of vulnerable people in the horn of Africa. The FWD campaign launched by USAID in partnership with the Ad Council was able to reach more than 100 million people. To learn the most updated information on the crisis in the horn of Africa, you can read USAID's blog by clicking here.
Administrator Shah addresses World Vision employees - October 18, 2011
During a visit to World Vision's U.S. headquarters in Federal Way, Washington, USAID Administrator Raj Shah spoke to a gathering of nearly 600 staff on the role of faith and faith-based organizations in addressing hunger, poverty, and preventable diseases in the developing world. In addition to acknowledging the extensive and rich history of USAID and World Vision's partnership, he also spoke about the importance of foreign aid. The International Affairs Budget, which funds U.S. international aid programs, makes it possible for the United States to contribute to the global fight against hunger, extreme poverty, and disease, especially among children. At just one percent of the federal budget, this small but very effective budget item makes the United States a leader when it comes to international aid. For example, 53 percent of the global relief for the horn of Africa drought is from the United States. You can view the video and read the transcript. To read World Vision's article about the event, click here.
USAID participates in a local Crop Walk - October 15, 2011
On Saturday, October 15, representatives from USAID's Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives and the Bureau for Food Security participated in CROP Hunger Walk, an annual walk-a-thon event in Arlington, VA sponsored by Church World Service (CWS). Every year over 1,600 CROP Hunger Walks are organized in over 2,000 communities, ranging in size from 200-2,500 participants, in partnership with thousands of local congregations across America to raise awareness about the issues surrounding global and domestic hunger. In his opening remarks at the kick-off event, Paul Weisenfeld, Assistant to the Administrator in the Bureau for Food Security, highlighted USAID's response to the Horn of Africa crisis and spoke about the need to invest in food security over the long-term through efforts like the Feed the Future initiative. CWS is the relief and development arm of the National Council of Churches and is a NGO partner.
Screening of "58: The Film" - October 11, 2011
The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships hosted a film screening of "58: The Film." 58: is a worldwide alliance of Christians and faith-based organizations working together to end extreme global poverty by 2035. CFBCI's Acting Directo Zeenat Rahman spoke to the attendees about the crisis in the Horn of Africa and highlighted USAID's FWD campaign as a collective response to this crisis. You can view the FWD campaign here. For more information, the film screening, along with President Obama's recent meeting with leaders from the National Asssociation of Evangelicals, are discussed in this article.
CFBCI Hosts Annual Iftar Dinner - August 17, 2011
The Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives hosted the Agency's 9th Annual Iftar Dinner. This year's iftar theme was "Beyond Green: Role of Science, Innovation and Communities in Enhancing the Environment." The iftar served as an outreach opportunity to the Muslim community by celebrating and recognizing the significance of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Administrator Shah spoke at the gathering and highlighted USAID's work as a reflection of American values and the effect of climate change on people in developing countries.
Horn of Africa Response - July 29, 2011
The CFBCI Deputy Director Zeenat Rahman organized and attended roundtable sessions with USAID Assistant Administrator Nancy Lindborg and members of the Somali diaspora community in Columbus, Ohio and Minneapolis, Minnesota regarding the current crisis in the Horn of Africa. Nancy Lindborg discussed USAID's immediate relief efforts and long term assistance initiatives in the region as well as possibilities for joint interventions. Please view Nancy Lindborg's heartfelt blog post for further information.
Islamic Society of North America Conference - July 4, 2011
The CFBCI Deputy Director Zeenat Rahman represented USAID at the 2011 Islamic Society of North America Convention. The annual convention brings together thousands of attendees including individuals, families, businesses, non profit organizations, and people of other faiths. The Deputy Director discussed the role of private voluntary organization in development work and how USAID partners with them to achieve best results in development practice. She also took part in a government relations breakfast which hosted influential Muslim community leaders from across the country and engages them in dialogue about community relations. In addition, she spoke at a "Faith in Public Service" panel at the conference which discussed the role Muslims play in all areas of public service, and why it is important for the Muslim Community to have a presence in social empowerment and improvement. Read highlights of the conference on Zeenat Rahman's blog post.
Kansas City Food Aid and Development Conference - June 29, 2011
The Kansas City Food Aid Conference has become the largest food aid and agricultural development conference in the U.S. This year the CFBCI Deputy Director Zeenat Rahman organized and moderated a roundtable discussion between USAID Administrator Shah and representatives from leading faith based and community organizations. The discussions revolved around Feed the Future and the roundtable participants offered constructive ideas on how programs can be implemented to reach our goals. The Deputy Director also spoke on an interfaith panel discussion at the conference moderated by the USDA Director for Faith-based and Community Initiatives. In addition, the conference provided the CFBCI an opportunity to further develop strategic relationships with stakeholders in the religious community and food aid including the National Association for Evangelicals and Saddleback Church.
Bread for the World Conference - June 15, 2011
USAID Administrator Shah spoke during a plenary session, "A Change Agenda for Effective Foreign Assistance" at the Bread for the World National Gathering. The session was moderated by David Beckmann, President of Bread for the World. The goal of the conference was to provide, prepare and motivate advocates to champion ending domestic and global hunger and poverty. The CFBCI Deputy Director was in attendance to meet with interested individuals and organizations and discuss the importance of supporting the Feed the Future initiative.
OECD 50th Anniversary Forum - May 25, 2011
Secretary Clinton and Administrator Shah gathered with over 30 world leaders at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Conference. Prior to the Ministerial Conference, the CFBCI Director Ari Alexander represented USAID at the OECD 50th Anniversary Forum. Throughout the forum the Director participated in various stakeholder conversations varying from meetings, panel discussions to collaborative roundtables such as "New Paradigms for Development: How CSOs and the OECD Can Co-Design Better Solutions For Better Lives."
Global Diaspora Forum - May 19, 2011
The CFBCI Director Ari Alexander moderated the third day of the Secretary's Global Diaspora Forum. The Forum intended to recognize and celebrate the contribution of diaspora communities to America's relationship with their countries of origin or ancestry; foster diaspora-centric partnership models and encourage intra-diaspora collaboration and learning. Secretary Clinton and Administrator Shah offered remarks on the first day. USAID hosted the third day of the conference, where participants had a chance to interact and exchange partnership opportunities with USG representatives and other participants in roundtable discussions. Click here to see videos from the forum and learn more about the formation of IdEA, the International Diaspora Engagement Alliance.
White House Easter Prayer Breakfast - April 19, 2011
The CFBCI worked with the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships to host the White House Easter Prayer Breakfast with President Obama and over 130 pastors and leaders from around the nation. Administrator Shah attended the Morning Prayer breakfast and was recognized for his extraordinary leadership in the President's remarks. Following the breakfast, attendees gathered for a series of policy briefings from various U.S. government agencies. The discussion included topics on: energy and climate change; immigration; fatherhood and healthy families; human trafficking; and international development. Gayle Smith, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director on the National Security Council, spoke on international development and highlighted the importance of the Presidential Policy Directive on Development as well as USAID's leading role in the Feed the Future initiative.
Japan Disaster Response Conference Call - March 17, 2011
The CFBCI Director Ari Alexander and Assistant Administrator for the Disaster, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance Bureau Nancy Lindborg hosted a conference call focused on the humanitarian response to the Japan earthquake. Any concerned party with a logistical or coordination question should contact japanhelp@ofda.gov, an account created specifically to allow groups to share concerns with the Japan Response Management Team more easily. The primary concerns raised by those on the call include lack of fuel and logistics, transportation, and coordination difficulties on the ground.
Libyan Diaspora Conference Call - March 15, 2011
The CFBCI Director Ari Alexander; Assistant Administrator for DCHA Nancy Lindborg; and Assistant Secretary of the Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration Eric Schwartz held a conference call with members of the Libyan Diaspora on the Humanitarian Assistance Needs in Libya and the U.S. Government Response. The call participants confirmed the need for medical and humanitarian supplies and raised questions about how their organizations can work in line with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury when delivering assistance to the people of Libya.
USAID Global Water Coordinator Conference Call - March 11, 2011
The need for a combined effort on water issues could not be clearer. An estimated 880 million people lack access to an improved water source. More than 5,000 people-most of them women and children-die every day from causes linked to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene. In light of this pressing need, USAID is pleased to announce the appointment of our Global Water Coordinator Chris Holmes. On a conference call with key water stakeholders Chris outlined his new role and the Agency's water strategy and took questions from the participants.
CFBCI Director's Travels to Accra, Ghana - February 21-24, 2011
The CFBCI Director Ari Alexander spoke at the Africa Christian Health Associations Platform 5th Biennial Conference on the "Faith-Based Initiative Under President Obama and Opportunities for Capacity Building of Local Organizations." Following his speech the conference participants shared their reflections and advice on increasing collaboration with civil society. A site visit with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) provided an opportunity to view a successful project with an implementing partner and see their work in the field. His meeting with the Ghanaian Parliamentary Hunger Caucus presented an opportunity to discuss the importance of bipartisan country leadership. Finally, conversation with an African regional representative of United Methodist Committee on Relief and Development spotlighted a replicable innovation in farmers training other farmers. To learn more about Ari Alexander's travel, see the following blog posts on the ADRA site visit and his conference speech.
USAID Efforts in Sudan Conference Call - February 16, 2011
USAID's Mission Director in Sudan, Mr. William Hammink, participated in a conference call to discuss the recent referendum in Sudan and USAID's efforts in that country. Mr. Hammink has served as Mission Director in Sudan since March 2009.
White House Feed the Future Event - January 4, 2011
Administrator Shah addressed a meeting on January 4th hosted by the White House in partnership with CFBCI and our sister office at USDA. Over 30 religious leaders and representatives from faith-based organizations gathered to engage in dialogue about Feed the Future. Administrator Shah announced four key deliverables for strengthened engagement with the NGO community. To learn more about the event visit the following blog posts, one from the USAID CFBCI and another from the USDA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
- 2010
The United States Government's Response to the Carmel Fire Conference Call - December, 6, 2010
USAID has led the U.S. Government's response to the worst forest fire in Israel's history. The U.S. Government will continue to provide assistance based on needs identified by the Government of Israel. Nancy Lindborg, USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, and Daniel Shapiro, Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa on the National Security Staff at the White House, detailed the U.S. Government's response on a national conference call.
Highlights of USAID Forward: Procurement Reform & Development Innovation Ventures Conference Call - November 12, 2010
Procurement reform, a top priority for USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah, is intended to make it easier to do business with USAID by increasing competition, strengthening the capacity of local organizations, and expanding partnerships with a larger number of NGOs. Likewise, as a part of President Obama's and Dr. Shah's commitments to increase investments in game-changing innovations, USAID has announced the launch of Development Innovation Ventures (DIV). Through DIV, USAID seeks to work with a variety of partners to create innovative scalable solutions to core development challenges. A conference call hosted by Ari Alexander, Deputy Director of the Center for Faith Based and Community Initiatives with Maura O'Neill, Senior Counselor to the Administrator, and other USAID officials highlights these efforts in the context of our USAID Forward set of reforms.
- 2009
USAID CFBCI Conference Call on PVO Registration – October 22, 2009
In many cases, U.S.-based NGOs wishing to compete for USAID funding are required to register with the Agency as Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs). On this CFBCI conference call, we were privileged to have both the current PVO registrar and his predecessor as our invited guests. Please review the PVO registration website which you can find here. For the call notes and PowerPoint presentation, please click here.
Conference Call with Mr. Joshua DuBois, Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships - September 22, 2009
In February 2008, President Barack Obama announced the creation of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The President appointed Mr. Joshua DuBois to be the Executive Director of the Office. For more information on the Office, click here. On September 22, 2009, Mr. DuBois joined Mr. Mauricio Vera, the Acting Director of USAID's CFBCI, in a conference call to discuss the White House Office and the President's priorities especially as they relate to international work. This was an exceptional opportunity to hear directly from the President's top advisor on faith-based and neighborhood partnerships.
Global Development Alliance Conference Call - August 13, 2009
The Global Development Alliance (GDA) is USAID's commitment to change the way we implement our assistance mandate. GDA mobilizes the ideas, efforts and resources of governments, businesses and civil society by forging public-private alliances to stimulate economic growth, develop businesses and workforces, address health and environmental issues, and expand access to education and technology. Building alliances with private sector partners is critical to leveraging the effectiveness of public aid to poor countries. Through the GDA, USAID recognizes the vital role of public-private alliances in achieving transformational development goals.
HIV/AIDS Meeting - July 16, 2009
The CFBCI hosted a meeting to discuss USAID HIV/AIDS programs, PEPFAR and how faith- and community-based organizations can partner in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Speakers from the USAID Office of HIV/AIDS, the PEPFAR Program and Ambassador Goosby, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator were on hand to answer questions and give an update on how the U.S. government is aiding in the fight against this deadly disease.
USAID Food for Peace: International Food Relief Program Conference Call (39KB PDF) - June 25, 2009
For more than 50 years, USAID's Food for Peace (FFP) program has brought hope and nourishment to the hungry corners of the world. Approximately 3 billion people in 150 countries have benefited directly from our food. The secret of Food for Peace's success lies in the unique combination of American compassion together with the unmatched efficiency of our nation's farmers. The call focused on the FFP International Food Relief Partnership (IFRP) and how your organization can get involved. To read more, click here.
Limited Excess Property Program Conference Call - May 5, 2009
The Limited Excess Property Program (LEPP) at USAID is a program that allows NGOs to acquire U.S. government excess property for use in their programs and projects overseas. This property can include computers, medical supplies, vehicles, boats, trailers, furniture, etc. During this call LEPP's Excess Property Coordinator walked through the steps required to work with the program and answered callers questions.
Microenterprise Conference Call - April 21, 2009
USAID has been working over the past three decades to expand opportunities for hundreds of millions of people who rely on microenterprises in the informal sector for their livelihoods. USAID has invested in hundreds of private microenterprise development organizations around the world-- organizations that are reshaping financial and business service markets to better serve the poor. Extending improved and expanded services enables entrepreneurs to gain access to a variety of sources of capital, information, inputs, technologies and markets. USAID staff members from the Bureau of Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade's Microenterprise team provided information and insight to working with USAID in the field of microfinance.
American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Conference Call - April 10, 2009
The USAID American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) staff discussed the specifics of the program and possibilities for partnering with USAID through the ASHA program. ASHA grants are awarded to assist in capital improvements such as building or renovation of facilities and procurement of scientific, medical and educational equipment. The objectives of the ASHA program are to strengthen self-sustaining schools, libraries and medical centers that best demonstrate American ideas and practices abroad. Since the inception of the program, ASHA has assisted 237 institutions in over 70 countries, thus positively impacting the regions where these institutions are located.
Denton and Ocean Freight Reimbursement Programs Conference Call - March 25, 2009
The Ocean Freight and Denton programs provide assistance to NGOs shipping humanitarian goods overseas. USAID Ocean Freight Reimbursement Program and the Denton Program staff provided background on these programs, as well as discussed opportunities to partner with USAID through these programs.
Office of Acquisition and Assistance Conference Call - March 6, 2009
USAID utilizes various acquisition and assistance channels to implement its activities. Contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and purchase orders are some of the instruments which are negotiated and signed worldwide by USAID. These instruments provide a variety of commodities and technical assistance to support the agency's objectives. Acquisition refers to obtaining goods and services, through various types of contracts, for the use or benefit of the Agency. Assistance refers to transferring funds (or other valuables) from USAID to another party to use in programs which will contribute to the public good. The topics that the OAA staff covered during this call included: contracts and grants, unsolicited proposals, sub-granting, preparing an application, and what to do once a grant is awarded.
The Role of Faith-Based and Community Organizations Working with Orphans and Vulnerable Children Meeting - January 6, 2009
This meeting, hosted by the USAID CFBCI, allowed for an important discussion exploring the role of faith-based and community organizations in the aid of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). Representatives from both USAID and the U.S. Department of State were on hand to discuss new developments within the U.S. Government's work with OVCs. The minutes from this meeting offer information about working with the U.S. Government, upcoming grant opportunities, as well as how to build relationships with other NGOs.
- 2008
Partnering with Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery - December 15, 2008
The Centers for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) co-sponsored a summit to foster greater collaboration in disaster response. The Senior Leaders' Best Practices Summit: Partnering with Faith-Based and Community Organizations on Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery brought together faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) and senior staff from USAID, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Defense, and the White House. Click on the link above to read the press release.
Public-Private Partnerships in Water - December 10, 2008
It is estimated that the leading cause of conflict in the next twenty years will be due to water shortage. USAID must continue to identify new partners that can leverage their resources to help deal with this issue, especially in the areas of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene. This meeting discussed the pivotal role of Public-Private Partnerships in addressing the global need for water. Leaders from various NGOs, Private Corporations and the U.S. Government were on hand to discuss and answer questions. If you are interested in learning more about best practice examples and strategies for partnerships in water programs, we encourage you to read the minutes for more information.
International and Domestic Food Assistance Collaboration Meeting - December 8, 2008
Rising food costs have exacerbated the daily effort to obtain healthy, or even enough, food for impoverished and low income people all around the world and created new challenges for the anti-hunger advocates trying to help them. Yet despite this disheartening reality, there are innovative solutions already at work here in the United States and abroad. Together, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Agency for International Development hosted a meeting to share ideas, promising practices and explore how the international and domestic food assistance organization community can work together towards a common goal of ending hunger. Follow the link above to view the presentations from this pivotal meeting.
The Role of FBCOs in Education - December 1, 2008
The USAID CFBCI in conjunction with the President's Education Initiative and the Basic Education Team at USAID hosted a discussion of the role of Faith-based and Community organizations in the field of Basic Education. Dr. Thomas Corts, the former USG's Coordinator for Basic Education, discussed new developments in Foreign Assistance in the Basic Education sector. Representatives from across USAID and the NGO community, came together to share best practice examples, new ideas and other opportunities within education.
USAID Food Crisis Conference Call - November 20, 2008
This conference call compiled the expertise of USAID staff working with food security programs. Advice was shared on how to partner with USAID programs such as the Food Relief Partnerships Program as well as other organizations working in hunger relief. The speakers went into detail on how best to partner with these programs as well as exploring other forms of funding.
CFBCI Partnership Conference: A Call to Action - November 7, 2008
This one-day event provided the unique opportunity to learn more about the basic structure of USAID and how the Agency grant- making processes works. Speakers shared about innovative approaches to development and ways that organizations can successfully partner with USAID. The conference afforded opportunities to hear from experts at USAID about individual areas of focus and programs including micro-enterprise, food assistance, agriculture, education, disaster response, democracy and governance, and global health issues like malaria and HIV/AIDS. Participants learned how to access to capacity building resources for their organizations. To see the speaker presentations and to read the minutes from the plenary and all breakout sessions, follow the link above.
CFBCI Water Resources Meeting - July 14, 2008
CFBCI staff hosted a conference call with the head of the USAID Water Team, Vice President of Living Water International, and representatives from the Millennium Water Alliance, International Aid and Rotary International to discuss the issue of water in international development. The topics covered over the course of this call were how to partner with USAID, how to work with other organizations and what USAID water projects are currently in place. This call represented both the USAID staff and FBCOs working in water resources. To read the minutes from this call click the link above.
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