Building the Capacity for Neighbors to Help Neighbors

This election galvanized millions of people who yearned to take back our country. People want to contribute their talents, strengthen communities, take pride in what we give and accomplish. How the federal government organizes its funding to localities can make a big difference in building the capacity for neighbors to help neighbors and to work for the common good. The way that federal funding is distributed must change so that it focuses on results, local decision-making, and comprehensive strategies. Work, health, education, transportation, and recreation monies need to be integrated with the input of local leadership. Government works best not when it does things for people, or to people, but with people.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is the former lieutenant governor of Maryland and author of Failing America's Faithful: How Today's Churches Are Mixing God with Politics and Losing Their Way
(2007).