Governor Riley Urges Involvement of Faith-Based and Community Groups in Meeting State’s Challenges

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 23, 2008

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley today met with about 400 representatives of faith and community groups, noting their progress in serving others and challenging them to expand their efforts.

Speaking to the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives’ Annual Conference, Governor Riley called upon the attendees to find new ways to address challenges facing the state, naming prisoner re-entry, disaster preparedness, access to health care and high school drop-out prevention as priorities. Solutions to these issues will be limited if government acts alone, said Governor Riley, while partnering state and federal agencies with organizations already rooted in the community can have a more meaningful effect.

“You have the ability to help more people on an individual basis than government ever could,” said Governor Riley. “What we want to do is give you the capacity to serve and enable cooperation between state agencies and community organizations. It is amazing what can happen when you combine the state’s resources with the determination and enthusiasm of the grass roots organizers in Alabama.”

Addressing the issue of high school drop outs, Governor Riley praised the work of the State Superintendent Joe Morton and the State Department of Education to prevent drop outs, but said too many students still fail to finish high school in Alabama. With a more educated and better skilled workforce, quality jobs are difficult to come by for those without a high school education, the Governor said.

“The effects of dropping out of school, both to a person’s life and to the state’s economy, can be devastating,” said Governor Riley. “Teachers and administrators can’t do it by themselves. We have to join with groups in the community and get these young people the support they need to stay in school.”

The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives recently began an effort to prevent high school drop outs through school and community partnerships that will provide mentoring and educational support for at-risk students.

Governor Riley created the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in 2004. The office works to promote volunteerism, help level the playing field for faith-based and community groups in the competition for federal grants, and partner organizations with government agencies to effectively meet the needs of citizens.

For more contact information, visit Governor Bob Riley's Web Site: http://www.governor.alabama.gov/ For videos of Governor Bob Riley visit: http://www.media.alabama.gov/