State of Texas takes our nonprofit sector seriously. So much so that they passed the monumental bill for Texas’ social sector, House Bill 492. This bill is designed to strengthen and expand nonprofits, both faith based and community based.
Yesterday, a public hearing was convened in Dallas Texas at the Center for Nonprofit Management to gather input and feedback from the nonprofit community on the obstacles and opportunities for our State government agencies to better partner and support the sector. Hosted by the Texas Health and Human Commission and One Star Foundation, a room of thirty or so nonprofit leaders provided input on things like capacity building, funding, volunteer engagement and how to achieve the most social impact.
This was a fantastic opportunity to hear poignant input as it relates to on-the-ground obstacles as well as visionary remarks from those who live and breath this work.
House Bill 492 inspired this string of public hearings happening around the state. It was designed to strengthen and expand faith based and community based health and human and social service through the renewing our communities account. (ROCA). It sets up three mechanisms to both gather input, coordinate agencies and make recommendations to our legislature.
The Commission is accepting testimonials at public hearings around the State as well as written remarks through April 20,2010. Please take the opportunity to have your voice heard as nonprofit leaders, donors, social venture partners or volunteers. This is our opportunity to strengthen a sector that consistently gives back more than it takes.
Additional information and written comments can be sent to Joanne.Pierce@hhsc.state.tx.us
