National Faith Symposium 2012

Over 400 people from around the state of Florida were called together in Orlando on October 24-26, 2012 by DCF Secretary David Wilkins and DJJ Secretary Wansley Walters. The gathering was a mixture of state workers, including Attorney General Jennifer Carrol and faith-based representatives from the panhandle to Miami. Governor Scott, who was scheduled to be there until his mother was hospitalized, defined this symposium in a letter:

The “Our Children, Our Future: Restoring Hope” National Faith Symposium is an initiative of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s Faith Community Network and Volunteer Chaplaincy Services Program and the Florida Department of Children and Families designed to involve faith communities in providing voluntary programs and services to troubled youth and their families.”

In addition to the wonderful keynote speakers, which included Tony Dungy and Papa Joe Bradford, a full array of breakout sessions were provided to educate participants on the needs within our state and the faith-based programs designed to meet those needs. I learned about a program for families whose fathers are incarcerated. I heard about web-based programs to help connect needs with volunteers. I learned about the Partners in Promise program directed by DCF that connects community partners in each region of Florida. Foster and Adoption recruitment was highlighted by Tanya Wilkins, wife of Secretary Wilkins.

There was plenty of time to network and talk with our state leaders. The atmosphere was spiritual in nature and very encouraging as groups came together around a common goal: to make life better for our at-risk youth. There is a move throughout state government to shift resources to prevention. Each of us recognized that we cannot continue to deal with the consequences of bad parenting, bad decision making, and bad policies that simply remove kids and lock up offenders alone. Our state leaders are not just inviting the faith community to help them, but urging us to take the lead in addressing the needs of our state. We must seize the opportunity to get involved and make a difference.

That’s why BAANK exists. Call us and see how you can partner with us and others around the state of Florida. Why not make plans to attend next year’s symposium?

-Rod