As the advisory council to the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships takes shape, members are holding meetings where they bounce dream projects off each other.
A conference call Thursday with office head Joshua DuBois featured at least 18 members of the 25-member council ticking off possible areas of focus for task forces dealing with everything from fatherhood to foreign aid:
— An oral history ad campaign affirming fatherhood featuring celebrities and ordinary people.
— Interfaith volunteer groups teaming with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s foundation to fight malaria.
— More indigenous houses of worship connecting with U.S. international development plans.
— Clearer guidance for grant-receiving social service providers about separating religious activities from government-funded programs.
Also, DuBois said he’s met with almost a dozen different groups on addressing the issue of reducing abortions.
“Right now, we’re in complete listen mode,” he said.