This week, Jon Bon Jovi received an appointment by President Barack Obama to the newly-created White House Council for Community Solutions.
The Council will provide advice to the President on the best ways to mobilize citizens, nonprofits, businesses and government to work more effectively together to solve specific community needs.
"These impressive men and women have dedicated their lives and careers to civic engagement and social innovation,” Obama said in a statement the White House issued Tuesday. “I commend them for their outstanding contributions to their communities, and I am confident that they will serve the American people well in their new roles on the White House Council for Community Solutions. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."
In addition to providing advice to the President on solving specific community needs, the White House Council for Community Solutions has been tasked with three key functions: enlisting leaders in the non-profit, private, and philanthropic sectors to make progress on key policy goals; providing strategic input and recommendations to help the federal government promote greater innovation and cross-sector collaboration; and honoring and highlighting those making a significant impact in their own communities. The Council will be composed of leaders from non-profits, corporations and foundations who are committed to social innovation and civic engagement.
In referencing JBJ’s community-based efforts, the White House press release stated:
“Jon Bon Jovi currently serves as Chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the lives of those in need. The Soul Foundation launches programs and partnerships with the intent to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in the United States. To date, Mr. Bon Jovi and the Soul Foundation have provided affordable housing to hundreds of low-income individuals and families. Mr. Bon Jovi is also the lead singer of the Grammy Award winning group Bon Jovi, which has sold more than 120 million albums and performed more than 2,600 concerts for more than 34 million fans.”
“I am honored to have been selected by the President to serve on the newly created White House Council for Community Solutions,” Mr. Bon Jovi said in a statement through his publicist. “I have seen firsthand the powerful impact when people from the public, private and nonprofit sectors work together. All of us have a role to play in helping address some of our nation’s most serious problems, and I look forward to working with the rest of the council to help out where I can.”
Bon Jovi – Work For The Working Man
Today Show – November 25, 2009
