Implementing the Faith-Based and Community Initiative
for the AmeriCorps Service Programs

Potential Barriers When Working with Community Organizations

Legal Concerns

• Review the materials provided in the toolkit and determine what questions still remain. Seek informed help from the State Commission.
• Begin with the State Commission for clarification of specific questions.
• For an analysis of the state and federal constitutional issues see a new study by George Washington University. [Note: This study is due to be published in December 2002.]
• See Hudson Institute's report called A Survey of Government-Funded Faith-Based Programs in 15 Cities.
• Has the state's Attorney General published anything specific related to the FBCI? Who do I know in that office (or regional/local level) that can help answer these specific questions?

Not sure where to find these organizations?

• Does the state offer a networking event where I can meet others attempting to achieve the same or similar goal?
• Looking at a map of target area/ neighborhood, what other organizations are operating in those same locations?
• Talk to regional organizations that might have established relationships with these organizations and ask for an introduction (e.g., NAACP, local Catholic diocese, Jewish Community Relations Council).

Physical Location

• Can the city or other organization donate transportation services?

We don't speak the same "professional" language. How can I approach these organizations effectively and understand their operation?

• Keep in mind that these organizations are already working successfully to meet the needs of their community.
• Face-to-face and one-on-one works best--especially when meeting the person for the first time.
• Begin by having them describe their mission and their work for you.

There are elements of their program that do not match our objectives. How do we find common ground?

• Identify the commonalities of both organizations, particularly around mission and purpose.
• Explore what the value of partnership would be for both parties.
• Discuss the potential barriers that would need to be addressed in order to have a successful partnership.
• How can the various strengths of each organization be leveraged with the other (community wealth)?
• Focus on how the partners complement one another and overcome the barriers.

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