The Build Back Better (BBB) framework would create an ambitious $400 billion early childhood initiative -- funding both universal prekindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds and initiatives designed to improve affordability, quality, and compensation within the child care arena. On November 19, 2021, The Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) was passed in…

Communities that have good schools and better educated residents are safer, more stable communities where businesses and families thrive. This pamphlet describes ways religious organizations can support family involvement in education. The pamphlet provides a statement of common purpose among religious communities supporting family involvement in…

In response to the need for guidance, this manual provides assistance for faith-based communities as they decide whether licensed child care fits within their ministry. The manual covers steps for getting started, key factors in determining budget, performing a needs assessment in the community and for the facility, the administrative structure of…

This booklet describes the refugee resettlement activities of Church World Service (CWS), and explains the process of refugee sponsorship that constitute a major CWS concern. CWS is a cooperative organization of churches that serve as the relief and development arm of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. The booklet reviews the…

To support faith communities in protecting teenage boys and girls from too-early sexual activity and teen pregnancy, the National Campaign To Prevent Teen Pregnancy's Task Force on Religion and Public Values has compiled these nine tips which summarize a wealth of experience and advice from faith leaders around the country. The members of the Task…

This resource book was prepared for delegates to the White House Conference on Families (WHCF) for use in formulating family policy recommendations. "Issue Priority Forms," completed by more than 100 national organizations involved in the WHCF process, are presented. Each form includes a topic to be discussed, a high priority issue…

This planning guide for church and synagogue librarians is designed to stimulate ideas for promoting the library. It is meant to be a beginning for relating publicity to events of the year. The programs suggested and the activities described are offered as examples of promotion which have been used successfully. The book is organized by months of…

This book is a roadmap for developing collaborative strategies that integrate the knowledge, ideas, expertise, resources, networks, and systems of the nonprofit, private, public, and religious sectors in the transformation of elementary and secondary schools. While most books on school reform focus on micro issues such as curricula,…

A survey of resources is provided for improving youth programs conducted by religious organizations. After a brief introductory chapter establishing the focus of the document, the second chapter offers an overview of adolescent physical, intellectual, moral, social, emotional, and religious development. In addition, the attitudes of young…

This article offers information and suggestions to administrators on dealing with cults on college campuses. Reasons why students are vulnerable to cults as well as cult recruitment techniques and ways to help students make informed choices are considered. Print, organizational, and videotape resources are identified. (DB)

This booklet for distribution to students and employees contains East Carolina University's (ECU/North Carolina) policy prohibiting illegal drug use, a description of the medical and legal implications of using illegal substances, and a listing of campus and off-campus resources available to assist persons with substance abuse problems. A…

This manual provides guidelines for religious congregations interested in setting up programs to sponsor refugees. The manual describes the psychological implications of the refugee experience and discusses initial steps in organizing for sponsorship. Detailed information is provided for sponsors regarding: finances and mobilization of resources;…

For nearly a decade, the Council for Religion in Independent Schools has honored schools with superior community service programs. The purpose of these annual awards is to stimulate the growth of such programs, to inform other schools of notable policies and practices, and to recognize excellence in moral consciousness and spirituality. A panel of…

To assist administrators of Roman Catholic elementary and secondary schools, this manual examines 15 primary areas of responsibility or tasks for Catholic principals. Using a checklist format, the manual discusses a number of aspects of each task, including a definition of that task, a description of the principal's responsibilities, lists of the…

This booklet provides resource materials for the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths, a weekend of worship, education, outreach, and advocacy that proclaims and responds to a faith-based call to meet the needs of children. The theme of 1999's Children's Sabbath focuses on getting all children ready to learn and succeed. The booklet's…