Contact: Rebecca Neale, The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, 202-456-7348

WASHINGTON, May 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Monday, May 19, 2008, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI),  joined by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, will convene a Compassion in Action Roundtable titled, "Partnerships in Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery: The Role of Faith-Based and Community Organizations in Building Resilient Communities." Hosted by OFBCI Director Jay Hein, the Roundtable will explore the critical and increasing role of faith-based and community organizations across America in disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts.  Additionally, the event will spotlight innovative policies and technologies enabling public-private partnerships to help build resilient communities.

A complete Compassion in Action Roundtable agenda is attached.
White House Compassion in Action Roundtable
"Partnerships in Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery: The Role of Faith-Based and Community Organizations in Building Resilient Communities.”

WHERE:      
The White House
Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB)
Room 450

WHEN:         
Tuesday, May 19, 2008
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. EDT
Members of the press should arrive at the Northwest Appointment Gate by 12:30 p.m. EDT to ensure entry.

NOTE: Members of the press who do not have a White House press credential must fax his or her name (as it appears on his or her driver's license), Social Security number and date of birth on company letterhead to (202) 456-7019 no later than 9 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2008.  For additional credentialing or logistical questions, please call (202) 456-7348. 

Partnerships in Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery: The Role of Faith-Based and Community Organizations in Building Resilient Communities

Monday, May 19, 2008
1 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

1 p.m.             
Welcome and Introduction
Jay Hein, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director
White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

1:10 p.m.       
The Role of FBCO's in Emergency Preparedness
Moderator: Erin Streeter, Director, Ready Campaign, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Panelist: Jennifer Posten, Manager, Ready Houston!, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
Panelist: Kary Kingsland, U.S. Director, Convoy of Hope 
Panelist: Mary Marr, Founder and Chairman, Christian Emergency Network 
Panelist: Paul Goldenberg, National Director, Secure Community Network 

2 p.m.             
Keynote Remarks
Secretary Michael Chertoff
U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary

2:10 p.m.       
Heralding Unheard Voices: The Value of FBCO's During Disaster
Pete Hull, Task Lead, Homeland Security Institute

2:20 p.m.       
Technology as an Engine for Community Solutions in Times of Disaster
Governor Scott McCallum, President & CEO, Aidmatrix Foundation

2:30 p.m.       
FBCO's and their Vital Role in Disaster Response and Recovery
Moderator: Berl Jones, Deputy Director, Individual Assistance Division, Disaster Assistance Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency 
Panelist: Wendy Spencer, CEO, Volunteer Florida, Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service
Panelist: Penny Dendy, Executive Director, Volunteer Mobile, Inc., Alabama
Panelist: Don Gann, Assistant Director of Disaster Relief, Mississippi Baptist Convention Board
Panelist: John Hope Bryant, Founder and Chairman, Operation HOPE

3:15                 Adjourn