Community Solutions Council (E.O. 13560)

Summary

Creates a council to find good ideas from communities that help solve the country's problems and encourage people to help out.

What problem does this solve?

The government needs better ways to find and support successful local projects that are solving big national problems. This order creates a special council to identify these effective community solutions and advise the President on how to help them grow.

What does this order do?

Establishes the White House Council for Community Solutions

Creates a new council within the Corporation for National and Community Service to help with social innovation and getting people involved in their communities.

Defines the council's mission

Tasks the council with finding effective community solutions, recommending ways for the government to work with local groups, and highlighting successful projects and leaders.

Outlines council membership

Specifies the council will have up to 30 members from outside the government, appointed by the President for 2-year terms. Members can be from non-profits, businesses, or local governments.

Sets a two-year lifespan for the council

States that the council will end two years from the date of the order unless the President decides to renew it.

Provides administrative support

Assigns the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to provide funding and administrative help for the council. Council members will not be paid but can have travel costs covered.

Who does this affect?

Non-profit and philanthropic organizations
Community groups
State and local governments

What is the real world impact?

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Promotes community-led problem solving

Encourages finding and using successful local ideas to fix big national issues, rather than only using top-down government plans. This approach values the knowledge and experience of people working directly in their own communities.

When does this start?

This order became effective on December 14, 2010, and includes a specific timeline for the council's operation.

Council Termination

The Council is set to end two years from the date of this order, on December 14, 2012, unless the President chooses to renew it.