Governor Rick Perry's OneStar Foundation

"The Texas Spirit knows no boundaries. I want to channel that spirit for a cause greater than self: a bold, new effort that calls upon tried and true values. The spirit of active volunteerism can transform our communities, our families and our citizens."
- Governor Rick Perry

Government is only one component of a vibrant civil society. It can write a check, but it cannot disburse hope. Government that attempts to do all things will do few things well. It can do much to protect our most vulnerable from harm, but it cannot replace the vital role of parents and families.

It takes Texans, as individual volunteers and as members of diverse and dedicated community organizations, to transform our communities and the lives of people who need a helping hand. From the earliest days of the Republic, individual Texans and the state's community and faith-based organizations have joined together to help those in need overcome personal challenges. Committed volunteers and volunteer organizations continue to bring unique skills and resources to bear on the struggles faced by Texas families today.

Government should recognize the crucial role that volunteers play. When government views these vital organizations as partners and supports their efforts, far more can be accomplished to address human needs than by government action alone. When Texans help Texans, the lives of both the recipients and the volunteers are enriched. Texas has taken steps in recent years to encourage volunteerism and can build upon a solid foundation.

OneStar Foundation builds on Texans' spirit of volunteerism

Governor Perry has established the OneStar Foundation to provide volunteers and charitable organizations with the information and resources necessary to build effective partnerships with the state and touch the lives of even more Texans in need. OneStar recognizes the important role of community-based organizations in understanding and meeting local needs and seeks to encourage and assist their efforts. The OneStar Foundation was established to fulfill three primary goals:

• Encourage more Texans to volunteer in their communities.
• Help community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, become better prepared to participate as partners with the state in addressing the challenges of Texans in need.
• Help Texans in need locate community-based services to meet their needs.

Recently incorporated, the OneStar Foundation will seek to marshal Texans' indomitable spirit into meeting the needs of their fellow Texans. The Foundation will help lead citizens to existing programs and charities and will augment the role of government in assisting those in need. And it will encourage Texans to write the next chapter of a Texas rich in compassion, long in devotion and abundant in spirit.

Strategies

Partner with the OneStar Foundation to accomplish volunteerism goals

Government cannot meet the diverse needs of Texans alone. Government should encourage volunteerism and volunteer organizations, and seek vital partnerships with them where their strengths are complementary. These partnerships already benefit Texans who receive certain services, such as welfare-to-work assistance. The State of Texas will partner with the OneStar Foundation to promote volunteer efforts. The OneStar Foundation will be able to use both public and private resources to accomplish its goals effectively and efficiently.

Promote volunteerism and community service in Texas

The OneStar Foundation will call upon individual Texans and businesses to support volunteer efforts by sharing their time, talents and financial resources to help those in need. OneStar will act as an information clearinghouse that spreads the word about ways Texans can volunteer. OneStar will provide information and training to volunteers and volunteer organizations through a variety of channels, including conferences and the Internet. The OneStar Foundation will celebrate and recognize the good work of Texans and charitable organizations through awards programs, and it will work with volunteer leaders and experts in the public, private and non-profit sectors to develop and share best practices.

Open a Texas Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Texas has been a leader in leveling the playing field for community and faith-based organizations and encouraging them to partner with the state to serve Texans in need. President George W. Bush has opened offices to promote faith-based and community-based activities in the White House and in several federal agencies. Texas now will take a similar important step and open the Texas Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, headquartered at the OneStar Foundation. It will provide valuable assistance to volunteers. The office will:

• Provide a single point of contact to disseminate information and technical assistance to organizations interested in partnering with the state to address challenges faced by Texans.
• Advise the governor and executive branch agencies on developing policies and rules that encourage participation by faith-based and community organizations.
• Advise lawmakers on recommendations for legislation.
• Coordinate with similar federal and state offices to share information and best practices that would benefit community and faith-based organizations in Texas.

Help Texans locate volunteer opportunities, community services

The OneStar Foundation will build upon existing connection points between Texans looking for volunteer opportunities, volunteer organizations and those seeking services. OneStar will work with public and private agencies to help Texans find information about where to turn in their community to offer help or find assistance.